XX
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ORIGINAL LETTERS
RELATING TO THE
ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS
OF SCOTLAND,
CHIEFLY WRITTEN BY, OR ADDRESSED TO
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES THE SIXTH
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VOL. I. M.DC.III-M.DC.XIV.
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PREFACE.
In 1698 there was printed at Edinburgh a small tract, entitled, " A
Catalogue of curious Manuscripts, &c, Collected by Sir James Balfour
of Kinaird, Knight-Baronet, and Lyon King at Arms, kept in his
famous Study of Denmilne : and now exposed to Sale." These
Manuscripts were purchased in one lot, by the Faculty of Advocates ;
and, as to actual importance, they still form no inconsiderable part of
the entire collection of Manuscripts in the Advocates Library. Not
the least interesting portion of the Balfour Manuscripts consists of about
twenty volumes in parchment covers, containing a series of Original
Letters on State Affairs in England and Scotland, during the reigns of
Elizabeth and James, and the early part of the reign of Charles the
First. Of these Letters a few were printed by Lord Hailes, in his
Memorials of the Reigns of James and Charles ; and more recently
they furnished the materials for two valuable contributions to the
Abbotsford Club, under the following titles : — " The Melros Papers :
State Papers and Miscellaneous Correspondence of Thomas, Earl of
Melros :" in two volumes, printed at Edinburgh, 1837, at the expense
of the Right Hon. John Hope, Lord Justice-Clerk : and " Letters and
State Papers during the Reign of King James the Sixth ; chiefly from
the Manuscript Collections of Sir James Balfour of Denmyln : " printed
at Edinburgh, 1838, at the expense of Adam Anderson, Esq., Dean of
b
VI
PREFACE.
the Faculty of Advocates. Both these works were edited by James
Maidinent, Esq., Advocate.1
In the same Collection there are three separate volumes, consisting of
such Letters as Sir James Balfour had arranged as a distinct series,
relating to " The Affairs of the Church of Scotland, from the year 1610
to the year 1625." Of these Letters, a partial selection was prepared
some years ago, for the purpose of being printed for the Abbotsford
Club, uniformly with the two works just mentioned ; but the plan was
frustrated, — perhaps fortunately, as it has led to the present publication,
which includes not only all the Letters contained in these three volumes,
but nearly an equal number of others collected from the Public Records,
or such repositories as were accessible to the Editor. But in this task
he has experienced the serious disadvantage, in common even with other
persons on the spot who may have liberal access to the originals, that
there should be no detailed Catalogue of the extensive Collection of
Manuscripts in the Advocates Library ;2 and no Inventory or descriptive
Calendar of the several Records preserved in the General Register
House. Under some proper regulations, these Records are now accessible
for literary purposes, and the Editor has freely availed himself of such a
privilege ; but the uncertainty in regard to the nature of the various
Records or of the original documents there deposited, will appear from the
Appendix consisting of Additional Letters, with the existence of which
he only became aware when this work had nearly been brought to a close.
The present series of Letters embraces a period sufficiently distinct in
1 To Mr Maidmcnt we are also indebted for the publication of other documents from
the same repository, in his " Analecta Scotica," Edinburgh, 1834-1837, 2 vols. 8vo. In
the Preface to a little volume (of which only a few copies were printed for sale), entitled,
" Ancient Heraldic and Antiquarian Tracts, by Sir James Balfour of Dunmylne and
Kinnaird," Edinburgh, 1837, 12mo, he has given a detailed account of the purchase of
Balfour's Manuscripts by the Faculty of Advocates, in 1698.
' It cannot be otherwise than matter of regret, as well as astonishment, that, after the
lapse of a century and a half, a collection of such interesting and valuable Manuscripts
should still remain without a proper Catalogue.
PREFACE. vii
the History of the Church of Scotland, extending from the accession of
King James the Sixth to the Throne of England in March 1603, to his
death in March 1625. Most of the Letters are now printed for the
first time, either from the autographs, or from authentic copies in the
Registers of the Privy Council of Scotland.1 Without entering upon
any detailed history of the period, some notices of the previous state
of the Church may serve to illustrate the subsequent policy adopted
and pursued by that Monarch in changing the Presbyterian- to a Pre-
latic form of Church Government.
Amidst the various changes produced by the Reformation, while
every thing in the form of idolatrous worship was abolished, the several
Churches and Parochial divisions were preserved or retained, so far as was
practicable. The difficulty of finding within a limited period a sufficient
number of qualified persons to supply these several parishes, could not
speedily be overcome. Ministers were appointed for the chief towns,
and Readers or Exhorters were employed in the less populous places.
As the Readers were not permitted to exercise the higher functions of
the ministry, the expedient was adopted of dividing the country into
twelve districts, to be visited by a Superintendent, who should dispense
the sacraments, inspect the different churches, and assist in supplying
the vacant charges in their respective districts. To insure the more
vigilant performance of such duties, they were not allowed to remain in
one place beyond a limited period. Even for the twelve divisions, not
more than five Superintendents were ever appointed ; but similar powers
were afterwards conferred on certain Ministers, who were named Com-
missioners of particular localities, without being released from the charge
of their own parish. It has been asserted that, by this appointment of
Superintendents, the Episcopal forms were virtually recognized by the
1 In printing these Letters, the punctuation has been corrected ; nor was it thought
necessary to retain either the contractions, or the obsolete form of z to express the letter
y, used by some of the writers.
viii PREFACE.
Church. This assertion, though somewhat plausible, is far from being
correct : this expedient was obviously of a temporary nature ; and the
burden imposed upon the Superintendents was so onerous that one and
all of them requested the Assembly to accept their resignations. The
Superintendents and Commissioners may have received a larger stipend
than the ordinary Ministers, yet this was no adequate compensation for
their greater labours, or the expenses incurred in the course of their
journeys from one parish to another.
If the scheme proposed in the First Book of Discipline, and sub-
mitted to Parliament in August 1560, had been sanctioned by the
Legislature, there can be no doubt that, while the clergy would have
been provided with the means of subsistence, schools and colleges would
have been placed on a surer foundation, and the wants of the poor and
indigent would have been supplied. But while tbe Popish Prelates were
allowed to retain two-thirds of their revenues, the Reformed Ministers
and Readers for several years continued their labours under peculiar
hardships and privations. The plan was at length devised and carried
into effect, by the Regent Murray, in December 1567, of appropriating
the entire thirds of all benefices to be paid to the Ministers, " ay and
quhill the Kirk cum to the full possessioun of their propir patrimonie,
quhilk is the Teindis." In this Act it is recited, that " the Ministeris
" hes bene lang defraudit of thair stipendis, swa that thay ar becumin in
" greit povertie and necessitie : And notwithstanding hes continewit in
" thair vocatioun without payment of thair stipendis be ane greit space,
* quhairthrow thay ar, and salbe constranit to leif thair vocatioun,
" without remeid be provydit." ' The sums that were thus assigned
were not considerable ; but the Collectors of the Thirds, in their Books
of Assignation, furnish us with accurate lists of the several parishes, the
names of the incumbents, and their stipends. The earliest of these
Books is entitled " The Registre of Ministers, and thair Stipendis, sen
1 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. iii. p. 24.
PREFACE. ix
the yeir of Clod 1567." ' Including the Ministers who were appointed
till 1571, the actual number was only 257, for 1080 churches, assisted
by 151 Exhorters and 455 Readers : this was exclusive of Argyle and
the Isles, of which no rentals were furnished.2 As instances of the
spiritual destitution of that time, it may be stated, that in the 54
parishes of Stratherne (or Perthshire) there were only 12 Ministers and
39 Readers ; and in the three fertile districts of Ayrshire, Cunningham,
Kyle, and Carrick, there were 47 parish churches, supplied by 11
Ministers, 15 Exhorters, and 23 Readers.
The same Parliament which adopted this Scheme of provision, ratified
the Doctrines of the Presbyterian Church, as exhibited in the Con-
fession of Faith ; and by a virtual acknowledgment of its Government,
the stated meetings of the General Assembly, which always consisting
of Lay Members, as well as Ministers, and exercising a paramount juris-
diction, thus assumed a distinctive character : and the General Assembly
still continues to be, as it were, a Representative National Assembly,
in regard to Ecclesiastical Affairs.3
The death of the Regent Murray was an event most unfavourable
to the Church and the peace of the country. As Knox's endeavours
had not proved successful in prevailing upon the Government to dis-
solve the Prelacies, and appropriate their revenues to the common funds
of the Church, it is easy to discover the motives which led to the Acts
of the Convention at Leith, 16th January 1571-2. Hitherto, as already
mentioned, the Popish Prelates had been allowed to retain a large share
of the temporalities of their several benefices ; and as the Nobles could
1 This Register of Ministers, from 1567 to 1571, is an interesting document, and was
presented as a contribution to the Maitland Club, by the late Mr Alexander Macdonald
(with a Preliminary Notice by Thomas Thomson, Esq.) Edinb. 1830, 4to.
* See the introductory notice to the extracts from the Book of the Assignation of
Stipends, for the year 1574, contained in the Miscellany of the Wodrow Society, p. 319.
Edinb. 1844, 8vo.
* Observations on Church and State, suggested by the Duke of Argyll's Essay on the
Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, p. 15. Edinb. 1848, 8vo.
x PREFACE.
not personally assume the ecclesiastical office, they adopted the expe-
dient of appointing titular Bishops, for the purpose of securing the
revenues for their own use ; and persons were found who were willing
to assume the dignity, and receive only a share of the fruits of the
benefice, assigning, in the form of leases and pensions, the remaining
portions to particular individuals, while many of the Nobility obtained
for themselves special grants of other church-lands and tithes. It was
therefore concluded, that no change should be made in regard to the
former Sees and Dioceses ; and a Dean and Chapter of learned Minis-
ters were annexed to every Cathedral Church. The several Articles,
Forms of Letters, and Oaths, agreed upon for admission of persons
to benefices and spiritual offices,1 were approved by the Lord Regent,
in the King's name, on the 1st of February 1571-2. Instead, how-
ever, of waiting for vacancies occasioned by death, in January of the
following year it was enacted that all Ecclesiastical dignitaries, and
other persons holding benefices, who failed within a prescribed time
to subscribe the Articles of Religion contained in the Acts of Par-
liament, and to take an Oath acknowledging of his Highness and his
authority, in presence of the Archbishop, Bishop, Superintendent, or
Commissioner of the Diocese or Province, where they held their Eccle-
siastical livings, should thereby incur the sentence of forfeiture, and
such livings remain at the King's disposal.
John Carswell, Superintendent of Argyle and the Isles, had accepted
the office of Bishop of the Isles in March 1566,2 and one or more inter-
mediate appointments may have been made. For the two Metropolitan
Sees of St Andrews and Glasgow, and for the Bishoprick of Dunkeld,
1 These Forms, &e. are preserved in C alder wood's History, vol. iii. pp. 170-194, and
in the Booke of the Universal Kirk, vol. i. pp. 205-237.
" In the Miscellany of the Wodrow Society, vol. i. p. 281, are some notices of Cars-
well, who, in July 1569, was rebuked by the General Assembly for accepting the office
of a Bishop without their permission. He died before September 1572, when John
Campbell, Prior of Ardchattan, became his successor.
PREFACE. xi
John Douglas, Eector of the University of St Andrews, John Porter-
field, Minister of Kilmaronock, in Dumbartonshire, and James Paton,
Minister of Muckhart, were nominated. As the former Canons required
the presence of three Bishops to perform the act of Consecration ; to
supply their place, letters of commission were issued on the 8th of Sep-
tember 1571, for examining and admitting them to their respective
benefices. Of these commissions, that for admitting Porterfield to the
See of Glasgow may be subjoined, from " The Register of Benefices dis-
ponit during the Government of the Earl of Mar, Regent."
COMMISSIO. GLASGOW. JO. PORTARFEILD.
OtJRE Soueraxe Lord, with auise of his richt traist Cousing Johnne Erie of Mar, Lord
Erskin, Regent to his Hienes his realme and lieges; Considering how necessair it is,
baith for the advancement of the Religioun and Kirk of God as for the commoun weill of
the Realme, that personis prouidit to Bishoprikis, be ressoun thay ar to haue the charge
and owersicht of the inferiour Ministeris, be of honest conuersatioun, sound doctrine, and
sufficient habilitie and qualificatioun thairfoir; To the effect that in default of dew
examinatioun, na avowit inymie to the trewth of God, nor ignorantis, be sufferit to
enioy the patrimony of the Kirk : Thairfoir ordanis ane Commissioun to be maid, vnder
the testimoniale of the Great Seill, in dew forme, Gevand, grantand, and committand
full power, speciall command, expres bidding, and charge, to Maister Johnne Wynrhame,
Superintendent of Fiff ; Maister Johnne Spottiswod, Superintendent of Lowtheane ;
Maister Andro Hay, Commissioner of Levinax, etc. ; Maister Johnne Row, Minister of
Sanct Johnnstoun ; Johnne [Andro] Lord Vchiltrie ; and Thomas Kennedy of Bargany,
or any thrie of thame coniunctlie, to try and examinat the conuersatioun, doctrine, and
qualificatioun of the maist reuerend father in God Johnne Archiebischop of Glasgow, laitlie
nominat and prouidit to the said Archiebischoprik ; And according as thay sail find his
honest conuersatioun, confessioun of religion, and qualificatioun for his said cure and
charge, to gif him testimoniale thairvpon ; or vtherwise finding his inhabilitie and insuffi-
ciency thairfoir, to notefie the same to our Souerane Lord, and his said Regent, that
farther order may be takin toward the said Archibeschoprik, for the commoditie of the
Kirk and Commoun weill, as apertenis ; and generalie, &c. ferme and stable, &c. : And
that the said letter be extendit in the best forme, with all clausses neidfull. Subscriuit
be the said Lord Regent, at Striueling, the aucht day of September, the yeir of God
Im vc lxxj yeris.
The Commission for St Andrews bears the same date, and is in pre-
cisely similar terms ; the same persons, or any three of them conjointly,
xii PREFACE.
being authorised " to try and examinat the said Mr John Douglas, laitlie
nominat and providit to the said Archbishoprik." In that of Dun-
keld, the benefice being declared to be vacant, by forfeiture of Robert
Crichton, was conferred on Paton, " gevand to him the place, vote, and
preheminance of Bishop in all tyme coming." There is no evidence to
show .that any of these individuals underwent trial for admission, in con-
sequence of these warrants ; but, in virtue of their office, Douglas and
Porterfield sat in the Parliament at Stirling, and subscribed the " Admo-
nitioun to the withhalderis of Edinburgh,"1 on the 7th of September
1571 ; and Johannes Archiepiscopus Glasguensis consents to the aliena-
tion of the manse of the rectory of Glasgow, by the Rector, Mr Archibald
Douglas, to Thomas Crawfurd of Jordanhill, and Janet Ker, his spouse,
on the 20th of October 1571.
After the Articles agreed upon by the Convocation at Leith had been
ratified, new letters were issued to the Dean and Chapter of the Cathe-
dral Kirks of St Andrews, on the 28th January, of Glasgow, on the 8th,
and of Dunkeld, on the 16th February 1571-2, authorizing them to pro-
ceed to elect a Bishop for each of these Sees, without any reference to the
previous nominations of Douglas, Porterfield, and Paton. Accordingly,
Douglas's election was confirmed on the 9th of February, and on the
following day his inauguration took place, the ceremony being con-
ducted by John "Wynram, Superintendent of Fife, assisted by Robert
Bishop of Caithness, John Spottiswood, Superintendent of Lothian, and
Mr David Lyndsay, Minister of Leith, " who laid their hands on him,
and embraced him, in signe of admission to the Archbishoprick." That
same day, we are told, John Knox preached, in the presence of the
Regent Earl of Morton ; but he not only refused to take any part
in the inauguration of the said Bishop ; " yea, in open audience of
niany then present, denounced anathema to the giver, anathema to the
receiver."2
1 Acts of the Parliament of Scotland, vol. iii. p. 70.
» Calderwood's History, vol. ii. p. 20G.
PEEFACE. xiii
On the 20th of July 1572, a letter confirming Paton's election was
issued, containing a command " to the Archbishop of St Andrews, and
to the Superintendents of Fyfe, Lothian, and Angus, to consecrate the
said Mr James Pawtoun." In the preceding month of January, the
temporalities of the See had been granted to Archibald Earl of Argyle :
on the 27th of April 1573, the temporalities were restored to " Mr
James Paton, now electit, admittit, and confirmit Bishop of Dunkeld."
In regard to Porterfield, it may be inferred that his election was not
confirmed ; and that, either in consequence of this, or of his subsequent
resignation or deprivation,1 at the command of the General Assembly,
like one of his titular successors, Eobert Montgomery, he resumed his
duties as a parish Minister.2 His promotion as titular Archbishop of Glas-
gow is explained by his connection with Alexander Earl of Glencairne,
who had previously obtained yearly grants of the revenues of the Arch-
bishopric.3
1 Privy Council Register, vol. xl., no. 68, referred to by Chalmers (Caledonia, vol. iii.
p. 624), February 1571-2 ; but this letter or warrant makes no mention of Porterfield's
resignation, to preclude his re-election.
* In the Register of 1567-71, John Porterfield, Minister of Kilmaronock, is mentioned as
having then been promoted to the Vicarage of Ardrossan. In April 1568 John Porterfield
had obtained the Vicarage of Ardrossan, and in June 1569 a similar grant of the Vicar-
age of Stewarton was made in his favour ; but the General Assembly would not consent
to this plurality, and the latter Vicarage was bestowed on Mr Archibald Crawford. In 1574
the parishes of Inehecalzeoch, Drymmen, Balfron, and Killerne, were conjoined to Kil-
maronock, and Porterfield appears to have resigned his Vicarage of Ardrossan in favour of
George Boyd, Reader at that Kirk. When Porterfield was translated as Minister of Ayr, in
1580, he was also appointed Commissioner for the districts of Kyle, Carrick, and Cunning-
ham. He was alive in 1601, and was succeeded in the following year by John Welsch.
s The Earl of Glencairne, in a letter 25th of December 1568, requested that some steps
might be taken by the General Assembly for placing John Porterfield, now banished
from Dumbarton. On the 13th of October 1570, the " Erie of Glencarne wald not
assist to this Parliament, bot depairtit of Edinburgh, becaus my Lord Regent wald nocht
give to him the Archbishoprik of Glasgoic." (Diurnal of Occurrents, p. 191.) The Earl
of Glencairne died in 1574 ; and in his Testament, dated at his " place of Kilmaronock,"
9th of April 1574, we find one of three witnesses, who are styled " Servitours to the
said nobill and potent Lord," was " John Porterfield, Minister of Kilmaronock."
xiv PREFACE.
To supply this vacancy, another license to the Dean and Chapter of
Glasgow to choose an Archbishop and Pastor to their Metropolitan
Kirk, was issued on the 30th of September 1573, in which no mention
is made of Porterfield, the seat being described as vacant, through the
forfeiture and barratry of James (Beaton), last Archbishop thereof.
The dignity was conferred on James Boyd of Trochrig, through the
influence of Robert Lord Boyd; and on the 3d November 1573 a
letter was directed to James Bishop of Dunkeld, Adam Bishop of
Orkney, John Bishop of the Isles, and Mr John Spottiswood, Superin-
tendent of Lothian, for his consecration. This was followed by another
letter in the usual form, for his obtaining a right to the temporalities of
the Archbishopric.
The See of St Andrews became vacant " by the natural death of
umquhile Mr Johne Douglas, last Archbishope thairof, of gude memo-
rie." He died in the year 1574.1 From the delay that occurred
in appointing his successor, some difficulty seems to have been expe-
rienced in filling the office. The letter granting a license to the Dean
and Chapter to proceed to an election is dated 10th of March 1574-5.
No election taking place, another letter, in similar terms, was issued
on the 14th of September 1576 ; when Patrick Adamson, formerly
Minister of Paisley, and at this time " Minister of Goddis word in my
Lord Regentis house," was elected; and on the 21st December 1576, a
letter under the Great Seal was directed " to Robert Bishop of Caith-
nes, Adam Bishop of Orkney, or to whatsomever Bishops or Superin-
tendents, whom in this part it appertenis," intimating the Royal assent
to this election, and commanding the saids Reverend Fathers to con-
secrate the said Mr Patrick. Nine separate grants of pensions out of
the fruits of this Benefice, by Patrick Archbishop of St Andrews, in the
month of January, and other two in February, 1576-7, are recorded
as confirmed, to as many dependents or servitors " to the Regentis
1 His Testament is dated at St Andrews, 8th of June 1574.
PREFACE. xv
Grace,"1 and afford a sufficient indication of the Earl of Morton's
motives for sanctioning the appointment of titular Bishops. About the
same time, three separate grants of the yearly pension of £500 each
out of other Sees, were confirmed in favour of James, George, and
Archibald Douglas, who are described as " sons naturall to the Regent."
The See of Aberdeen became vacant in 1577, by the death of Wil-
liam Gordon, and the ordinary letters were issued with the license to
the Dean and Chapter to elect a successor. Mr David Cunningham,
Minister of Cadder, being chosen, a Commission under the Great Seal
was directed to Patrick Archbishop of St Andrews, Mr George Hay,
Commissioner over the Kirks in the Diocese of Aberdeen, and Mr John
Craig, Minister of Aberdeen, commanding them to consecrate the said
Mr David; it is dated 5th of October 1577.
The vacancies in other Sees, by death, resignation, or deprivation,
were either in like manner supplied, or the temporalities granted to lay-
men, until such places should be suitably provided. The " consecration,"
or " inauguration," mentioned, was the same form as had been used at
the admission of a Superintendent, and much the same as still continues
to be observed at the ordination to the pastoral office, by the imposition
of hands.2 In some cases individuals were appointed who seem to have
had no right to exercise any ministerial functions. But the Church of
Scotland, in its General Assemblies, whilst it accorded to such per-
sons their territorial titles, never elected one of the said Bishops as
Moderator, to preside in their meetings, and resolutely continued not
only to refuse the recognition of their having any ecclesiastical supre-
macy, but passed various Acts for the purpose of limiting their power,
and rendering them " subject to the discipline of the General Assembly,
as members thereof." The King himself, after he had assumed the
• Register of Presentations to Benefices.
* " The Forme and Ordour of the Electioun of the Superintendents," &c., in March
1560-1, is contained in Knox's History, vol. ii. p. 143-150. Edinb. 1848, 8vo.
xvi PREFACE.
government, in 1579, was on the whole favourably inclined to Presby-
tery, if we may judge from his recorded expressions ; and, in 1580, the
platform of Church government was placed on a firmer basis, by the
adoption of the Second Book of Discipline. It was not however for
several years, and only after long and zealous contendings in their ordi-
nary meetings of Presbyteries, Synods, and Assemblies, that this form
was ratified in Parliament, by passing an Act for " abolishing the Acts
contrary to the true Religion," 5th June 1592 ; and having thus obtained
a legal sanction, it seemed destined to secure the permanent continuance
of Presbytery in Scotland. This and the other Acts passed in 1592,
embodying the system of the Presbyterian Church, as laid down in the
Second Book of Discipline, it has been justly and eloquently remarked,
"have survived the revolutions, and counter-revolutions, which were still
" to follow in the distracted history of the Scottish Church, only from
" that one great cause to which all human institutions must ever owe
" any strength or permanence they may attain, from their coincidence
" with the principles which had been impressed upon the mind of the
" people, for whose governance they were framed."1
The Church at this time had attained a high degree of purity and
efficiency; and the zeal of her Ministers had nearly rooted out the
remaining seeds of Popery. In one Assembly, James himself de-
clared " the Kirk of Scotland to be the sincerest Kirk in the world."
The free and uncompromising manner in which the Clergy at times
felt themselves called upon to remonstrate, and even to administer
public rebukes to the King, was not calculated to gratify a Monarch
who was already aspiring after absolute supremacy both in Church and
State. It cannot indeed be denied, that Discipline was enforced with
great rigour; that the solemn act of Excommunication pronounced
against obstinate Papists and other offenders was followed by severe
1 Essay, Critical and Historical, on the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, by the Duke
of Argyll, p. 83, 2d edit. 1849, 12mo.
PREFACE. xvii
penalties amd civil disqualifications ; and that the Ministers, by an
assumption like that of the Komish priesthood, were inclined to exer-
cise an uncontrolled authority in whatever they themselves chose to
consider &s spiritual matters. But such assumption and intolerance
seem to be inherent qualities in all ecclesiastical denominations, Pres-
byterian as well as Popish, in modern as well as in early times.
King James's policy in such matters may be best illustrated by the
intelligence communicated by the Resident Ambassador to Sir Robert
Cecil, in a letter dated at Edinburgh, 19th of October 1600. After
referring to the removal of Robert Bruce and the other Edinburgh
Ministers who had been prohibited from preaching on account of their
refusal to express a belief in the alleged conspiracy of the Earl of
Gowrye, in the preceding month of August, the writer, George Nicolson,
says : —
" Further, the King and Convention aforesaide haue agreed to haue
" Bisshopps, and for the beginning haue ordeyned Mr Davyd Lyndsey
'•' Bisshop of Rosse, Mr Robert Pont Bisshop of Orkney, Mr George
" Gledstanes Bisshop of Cathnes, Mr Peter Blackburne Bisshop of
" Aberdene the old Bisshop being deade ; and as soone as the King can
" reduce the rest of the Bisshoprickes, to haue them also furnisshed with
" Bisshopps, and for this purpose the King and said Convention haue
" resolved that the Act of Annexation, the erection of Spirituall Landes
" into Temporall Lordshipps ; and the annexation and disposition of
" Patronages to gentlemen and others, shall all be annulled and revoked,
" as well to increase the Kingis lyvinge by the Abbasies, Priories, &c,
" as to establish the Bisshopps with the lyvings, and the Ministers with
" the tenthes and livings belonging to the severall Churches. All which
" for them selues they haue agreed on, and to attempt at this Parlia-
" ment, if the tyme shall serue, els no. Allwaies these new chosen Bis-
" shopps are to haue vote in this Parliament, and it can not be denyed ;
" yet for the rest I see no appearance of it, nather the tyme fit, nor the
xviii PREFACE.
" King fully resolued to attempt them at this tyme, for they will get
" great opposition, and that by the greatest, and great nombers whenso-
" ever they shalbe labored for." '
Of the persons thus named, Robert Pont, as on a former occasion,
refused to accept the office, without permission of the General Assem-
bly; but Lyndsay, Gladstanes, and Blackburn, being duly admitted,
appeared and voted at the ensuing Parliament, although, like their
titular brethren, Alexander Campbell, Bishop of Brechin, and Peter
Rollock, Bishop of Dunkeld, they had not received either Episcopal
consecration or jurisdiction.
Such was the actual state of the Church in March 1603, when James
succeeded to the Throne of England. The Presbyterian forms of Church
government, worship, and discipline were established, and had taken a
permanent hold on the affections of the people. The privileges of the
Church remained in force ; and while the titles and offices of Prelacy
were retained, with a right to sit and vote in Parliament nominally as
Commissioners for the Kirk, they were bound by the injunctions of the
Assembly to assume no superiority over their brethren. Notwithstand-
ing the King's professions at his departure for England, that no change
either in Church or State would be made, his attention was only with-
drawn for a time from the affairs of the Church of his native country.
His ultimate design soon became apparent.
In the well-known Conference at Hampton Court, in January 1603-4,
between the English Prelates and some learned Puritans, which the
King said, he had called " according to the example of all Christian
" Princes, who, in the commencement of their reigne, usually take the
" first course for the establishing of the Church, both for doctrine
" and policie," it pleased his Majesty " both to enter into a gratu-
1 Original in Her Majesty's State Paper Office.
PREFACE. xix
" lation to Almightie God (at which wordes he put off his hat) for
" bringing him into the promised land, where Religion was purely pro-
" fessed ; where he sate among grave, learned, and reverend men ; not,
" as before, elsewhere, a King without state, without honour, without
" order ; where beardless boys would brave him to his face ; and to
" assure us, that he called not this Assemblie for any Innovation,
" acknowledging the Government Ecclesiasticall, as now it is, to have
" beene approved by manifolde blessinges from God himselfe, both for the
" encrease of the Gospell, and with a most happie and glorious peace."
The mode in which the King continued to speak and direct matters
during this three days Conference was such, that we are informed " all
" the Lords and the rest of the present Auditors stoode amazed at it :
" the Archbishop of Canterbury (Whitgift) said, that undoubtedly his
'•' Majesty spake by the speciall assistance of God's spirite. The Bishop
" of London (Bancroft) upon his knee protested, that his heart melted
" within him (and so he doubted not, did the heartes of the whole com-
" pany) with joy, and made haste to acknowledge unto Almighty God,
" the singular mercy wee have received at his handes, in giving us such
" a King, as since Christ his time, the like, he thought, hath not been :
" Whereunto the Lords, with one voice, did yield a verie affectionate
" acclamation." l
His Majesty most undoubtedly had not been accustomed to hear such
abject language addressed to him by his Presbyterian subjects in Scot-
land. Thus, at the meeting of the General Assembly held in the Chapel
Royal of Holyrood, on the 10th of May 1586, the King assigned as one
of the reasons for giving his assent to calling this Assembly, that
they might " resolve among themselves of a forme of Discipline and
Church Government most agreeable to the Word of God, which he
1 " The Summe and Substance of the Conference, which, it pleased his Excellent
Maiestie to haue with the Lords, Bishops, and others of his Clergie, &c. Contracted by
William Barlow, Doctor of Divinity, and Deane of Chester," pp. 4, 93. Lond. 1604, 4to.
xx PREFACE.
purposed to establish throughout the realme." Robert Pont, Minister of
St Cutliberts, who then filled the Moderator's chair, replied, " Sir, "We
" praise God that your Majestie, being a Christian Prince, has decored
" our Assemblie with your own presence : we trust your Majestie speaketh
" without hypocrisie." l It need excite no wonder, therefore, that the King's
intentions should be strengthened on finding his title as Supreme Head
of the Church so readily acknowledged in his new dominions.
The important design of effecting a Union of the two Kingdoms, as
well as of the Crowns, and the negotiations conducted by the Commis-
sioners for this end, withdrew the King's attention from the design to
assimilate the Church of Scotland with that of England. This Treaty
of Union being frustrated, his favourite scheme was resumed, and pro-
secuted with a singular degree of pertinacity. To give a history of this
period in regard to the affairs of the Church would be unnecessary.
The statements of Calderwood, Row, Scott of Couper, and other early
Presbyterian writers, may be chargeable with strong party feelings.
Spottiswood, on the other hand, assumes a more subdued tone, and
is most conveniently brief in his account of later events. His History,
like Calderwood's, terminates with the death of James, and can lay no
claim to the minute accuracy of the Presbyterian historian. For illus-
trating the history of that period, and tracing the successive steps for
carrying his Majesty's intentions into effect, it is obvious that there can
be no more certain source, or one less liable to suspicion, than his own
Correspondence with the individuals chiefly concerned in the admini-
stration of public affairs.
Calderwood, who had obtained access to many original documents
when engaged in writing his History,2 introduces the " Memorialls to be
1 Calderwood's History, vol. iv. p, 548.
' His larger History was completed in 1627, and afterwards rewritten and condensed :
See the notices of the several Manuscripts of the work in vol. viii. of the Wodrow Societv
odit:on. Edinb. 1842-9, 8 vols. 8vo.
PREFACE. xxi
proponed to his most Excellent Majestie" in February 1609, which
were written by Archbishop Spottiswood, (and are inserted in the present
collection, at page 187 ;) and he says, " By these Memorialls and direc-
" tiouns may be perceaved the treacherie of the aspyring Prelates. If
" anie man had asked at them then, or will yitt aske, Wherefore they
" sent up hard Informatiouns to the King, prejudiciall ather to their
" Brethren of the Ministerie, or other subjects, high or low ? they would
" haue deepelie protested, and protested diverse tymes, that they wer
" innocent ; and yitt, &c. . . . And whereas they have made, and make
" the world beleave, that they are innocent of the directiouns that come
" from Court, and serve for the weale of thair Estate, the reader may
" heere perceive, that howbeit the King was als earnestlie sett to sett
" them up in their full Estate, which they denied they were seeking as
" they would wishe ; yitt do they direct the King, and lay doun over-
" tures and meanes which may be steadable to that end
" If we had all the Memorialls and Directiouns which they have sent up
" to Court from tyme to txjme, we might have greater falshood and
" knaverie discovered nor is lyke to come to our knowledge, or likelie
" to be found in men of anie calling whatsoever."
Without drawing such an uncharitable inference, we may consider the
following letters as affording conclusive evidence that such informations
were actually transmitted by some of the Prelates to the King, and
not unfrequently to promote their own selfish projects. The removal of
David Lindesay from St Andrews, in 1G06,1 and of John Murray from
Leith, in 1608,2 may be quoted as illustrations 3 But, on various occa-
1 Translated in 1606 to Forgandenny, and in 1609 to Leith. The sentiments expressed
by Gladstanes, in Nob. XXV. and LXXX., were afterwards modified, No. CLVII. ;
and " this fool," as he calls Lindesay, in place of being the " vainest and unrulyest man
in Scotland," proved a quiet, serious, and pains-taking Minister. He is to be distin-
guished from one of the sons of his colleague, the Bishop of Ross, of the same name,
who held some preferment in the English Church.
» Sec notes to pages 124 and 189.
8 Another instance that may bo adduced, is the accusation sent to the King respecting
d
xxii PREFACE.
sions, the King himself alludes to his receiving such communications ;
;in<l he shows his natural disposition hy sending directions from Court
about obscure individuals, or matters of very small importance.1 The
very servile terms in winch James is addressed alike by the nobility and
the dignified clergy cannot escape observation. The loss of a volume
of the Privy Council Register, containing Royal Letters, between March
1612 and September 1623, is much to be regretted. Another series
of letters, which would necessarily have been of very great importance,
the correspondence of Archbishop Spottiswood, is not known to exist.2
But that many other letters of the period are still preserved in private
repositories cannot be doubted ; 3 yet the following series is much more
extensive and complete than could well have been expected.
For the purpose of raising the character of those Ministers on whom
the dignity of Prelates had been conferred, an Act was passed by the
Parliament held at Edinburgh on the 11th of July 1606, " anent the
the Lord Balfour of Burley,' at the Parliament in 1C12. In a Petition to the King, he
requests that his accuser, Archbishop Spottiswood, may set down under his hand the par-
ticulars alleged ; and after that he had cleared himself of such unjust imputations, he
" entreats permission to lay before your Majesty, and the world, the particular misde-
meanours of the Bishop of Glasgow, which being truly known to your Majesty, I think,
you shall find him not worthy that trust he has of your Majesty, and most unfitting for
the place and dignity he hath in your state." (Lord Hailes's Memorials, p. 44.)
1 See Calderwood's remarks, (History, vol. vii., p. 94.)
' The Archbishop, in his Last Will and Testament, made at Newcastle, 14th of
January 1639, appoints John Maxwell, Bishop of Ross, Executor, " commending to his
" fidelitie the edition of my Historic, if the same be not done by my self;" and in a
separate clause is added, — " To my said brother, the Bishop of Rosse, I ordain the Manu-
" scripts that I left at Roslin and Edinburgh, to be delivered, containing the Letters of his
" Majesty's Father, and other Memorialls, together with the letters sent by his Majesty
" that now is, by the Archbishop of Canterbury and himself, to me, at divers time-.
" which may servo him for some good use." — Inquiries respecting these Papers have been
made in various quarters, but without success.
3 The additional Letters in the Appendix were printed before the Editor happened to
see a volumo entitled " Descriptive Index of the Contents of five Manuscript Volumes
illustrative of the History of Great Britain, in the Library of Dawson Turner, Esq.,"
Great Yarmouth. 1843, 8vo. Connected with the present series, it contains a few let-
ters, which are specified at the end of the present volume (page 458*).
PEEFACE. xxiii
Eestitution of the Estate of Bishops," — " restoring to the said Estate
their ancient and accustomed honours, dignities, prerogatives, and pri-
vileges." Nominations to all the vacant Sees had previously been made ;
and compensations granted to some of the titular Prelates, that persons
actually serving in the Ministry might be preferred.
The following letter, nominating Spottiswood to the See of Glasgow,
upon the death of Archbishop Beaton, may be quoted, in order to
illustrate the form of presentation to Bishoprics at this time ; but
some delay in his admission must have taken place, as another letter
of presentation in his favour is dated " at Our Palice of Westminster,
2d November 1604:"—
Ocre Souerane Lord, with avyse and consent of his Hienes trustie and familiar
Counsellour, Mr John Prestoune of Fentounharnis, his Hienes Collectour Generall,
Ordanis ane letter to be maid under his Hienes Great Seall, in dew forme makand men-
tioun, Forsamekle as his Hienes wnderstanding the Archibischoprik and Benefice of
Glasgw to be destitute of ane Archibischope, and to vaik in his Hienes handis, and at his
gift and d;spositioun, be deceis of wmquhile James Betone, lait lauchfull Archibischop
thairof ; And calling to mynd the lait Act of Parliament maid be the Thrie Estaitis of
the Realme of Scotland, be the quhilk it was statute and ordanit that his Majestie sould
give and dispone all Bischoprikis and utheris Prelaceis then vacand, or quhilkis thaireftcr
sould happin to vaik, wanting Bischopis and Pastouris, to any persone or personis
quhome his Hienes pleisit to chuse and elect maist able and qualifeit for the samin, and
to provyde thame lawfullie thairto : And now, efter lang experience, and many docu-
mentis sufficientlie hard and provit be his Majestie, of the literature, eruditioun, honest
and laudable bypast lyfe of his louit Mr John Spottiswode, Minister at the Kirk of
Calder, and of his willing mynd and intentioun to continew in the office and functioun of
ane Minister in the Kirk of God ; Quha lykwayis lies gevin oft experience of his singu-
lar mynd and earnest studie towardis his Majestie in dyvers eflairis committit to his
credite, and if the grit panes and trawell takin be him in establisching of the Discipline
within the Kirk of God, and propagatioun of Chrystis Evangell within the same,
quhairin with ardent zeale, great affectioun, panes and travell, he hes commendablie dis-
chargit his dewtie as becumis ane faythfull Pastor and loyall Subject, quhairof it becumis
his Hienes of his princelie dewtie not to be unmyndfull, bot to requyte the samin, quhair-
throw he may have the gritter occasioun daylie mair and mair to continew and persevcir
thairin : Thairfoir, and for dyvers and sindrie utheris ressorabill causses, occasiounis, and
guid consideratiounis moveing his Hienes, his Majestie, with aduise and consent of his
said Collectour Generall, and Thesaurer of his New Augmentatiounis, hes maid, consti-
tute, and ordanit, lykeas be the tennour of the said letter his Hienes makis, constitutis,
xxiv PREFACE.
ami ordanis tho said Mr John Spottiswode Bischope of the said Archbischoprik and
Inmefice of Olasgw, and hes gevin, grantit, and disponit, &c. Promitten, &c. With com-
mand, in the said letter, to the Lordis of his Hienes Counsell and Sessioun to direct let-
tori, &c. ; And ordanis the said letter to pass immediatlie heiron, vnder his Majesties
said Grit Seall, &c. At Hamptoun Court, the twentie day of Julij, the yeir of God
1" vj* and thrie yeiris. [Sic subscribitur.)
James R. Jo. Prestoun.
It is worthy of remark, that after the Reformation there prevailed
a friendly feeling or recognition between the Sister Churches of Eng-
land and Scotland, and the Reformed Churches abroad. At a later
period, immediately after the accession of James, in 1603, in the " Con-
stitutions and Canons Ecclesiastical, agreed upon in the Province of
Canterbury, with the King's Majesty's Licence," in the 55th Article,
containing a Form of Prayer to be used by all Preachers before their
Sermons, are these words : —
" Ye shall pray for Christ's holy Catholic Church, that is, for the
" whole Congregation of Christian people dispersed throughout the
" whole world, and especially for the Churches of England, Scotland,
" and Ireland." There can be no doubt that the Church of Scotland
at this time was in every respect Presbyterian.
The prosecution, banishment, or imprisonment of Forbes, Welsh,
and other Ministers, who maintained the lawfulness of the Aberdeen
Assembly in 1605,1 and of those who were summoned to the Conference
at Hampton Court in September 1606, having removed most of " the
turbulent and unquiet spirits," the next step was the appointment of
Constant Moderators to the several Presbyteries.2 This measure was
1 A detailed narrative by John Forbes, Minister of Alford, who acted as Moderator
of the Assembly at Aberdeen, was published by the Wodrow Society, under the title of
" Certane Records touching the Estate of the Church of Scotland." Edinburgh, 1846,
8vo. Among other documents relating to the proceedings at the Assembly, and the trial
of Forbes and other Ministers who attended and maintained its legality, it contains the
letter from the Privy Council, dissuading the Brethren from holding the Assembly, dated
20th June, and the Reply, dated on the 2d July 1605.
J The names of the Ministers who were nominated by the King as Constant Modera-
tors with the letter enjoining Presbyteries to receive them, dated 6th of January 1607,
are contained in the Booke of the Univcrsall Kirk, vol. iii. pp. 1085-40.
PREFACE. xxv
resisted with greater firmness than was anticipated, and was carried
chiefly by the threats of imprisonment, or by silencing the most reso-
lute opposers.
The following extracts from the Treasurer's Accounts are worthy of
notice, as serving to illustrate some particulars connected with the
affairs of the Church at this time ] : —
1606, April. Item, to ane boy passand of Edinburgh to the Commoun Clerkis of the
Burghis of Cowper in Fyff, Perth, Dundie, Forfar, Aberdeen, Banff, Elgin,
Forres, Name, and Innernes ; and delyvering to ilk ane of thame ane prentit
Proclamatioun to be intimat to the Counsall of thair Burghis seuerallie,
quhairby the Magistrates thairof micht be the better informit how to obey his
Maiesties will and directioun set furth in the said Proclamatioun, Incais ony
sklanderous speitches wer utterit publiolie or priuatlie aganis the proceidingis
of the Counsall and Justices in trying of the Ministerie that war committit to
warde, . . . . . viij ti.
Item, to ane boy passand of Edinburgh with the lyk prentit Proclamatiounis,
to be delyuerit to the Commoun Clerkis of the Burghis of Linlythgow, Striui-
ling, Glasgow, Dunbartane, Eenfrew, Irwing, and Lanerk, vj li.
Item, to ane uther boy passand of Edinburgh with the samen prentit Procla-
matiounis, to be deliuerit to the Commoun Clerkis of the Burghis of Hadding-
ton, Dunse, Jedburgh, Selkirk, Peibles, and Drumfreis, v ti.
1606, Maij. Item, be his Maiesties speciall command, to the Bishop of Glasgow,
(£2400.) ij- iiij" li.
Julij. Item, to the Bischop of Glasgow, to be his charges to' Londoun in his
Maiesties service, . . (£1200.) Im ijc li.
Item, be commandment of the Lordis of Counsall, to Mr James Balfoure, Mr
Robert Wallace, Mr Adame Colt, Mr Andro Meluill, Mr James Meluill, Mr
William Watsone, Mr William Scot, and Mr John Carmiehell, Ministeris, for
thair charges and expensses in thair journay toward his Majestie,
(£2666, 13s. 4d.) Ijm vj° lxvj li, xiij s. iiij d.
Item, be his Maiesties speciall command, to the Bisehop of St Androis, for
payment and satisfactioun to Sir Andro Meluill and Mr George Young of thair
pensionis quhilk thai had furth of the said Bishoprik, (£2000.) ijm li.
1610, May. Item, to Johne Archebischop of Glasgow, for his pensioun at this terme,
(£1000.) I" ti.
Junij. Item, be his Maiesties directioun and warrand to John Archebischop of
Glasgow, as his discharge and acquittance thairof producit upoun compt
beiris, . . (£5046, 13s. 4d.) Vm xlvj li, xiij s. iiij d.
1 The Treasurer's Accounts from 1606 to 1610 are not preserved.
XXVI
PREFACE.
1610, Junij. Item, to Mr Robert Charteris, for prenting of the Proclamatioun maid inlii-
bitand all his Majesties leiges to speik ony thing aganis the proceiding of the
Assembly at Glasgow, . . • • v *'•
Item, to Archibald Bald, Messenger, passand with letters to the Mercat
Croce of Edinburgh, and a Trumpetour with him, discharging all Ministeris,
Reidaris, or uther personis quhatsumevir, to impugne or querrell the Actis
maid at the lait Generall Assemblie at Glasgow, And chargeing thairwith all
Magistrates to sease on the personis contraveneris, . xx s.
October. Item, be his Maiesties warrand, to James Bischop of Orknay, Moderatour
of the Generall Assemblie at Linlythgow, in the moneth of (blank) 1608, To be
distributit be the said Reuerend father to certane Constant Moderatouris of
Presbytereis, and utheris Ministeris, according to his Maiesteis directioun
gevin thairanent, as the samyn warrand producit beiris, (£3010.) iijm x ti.
1611, Apryle. Item, be his Maiesties precept to James Bischop of Orknay, for his
expensis and charges in repairing to Court, and in visitatioun of sundrie pairtis
of his Diocie, as the said precept, with his acquittance producit vpoun compt
beiris, .... (£1200.) I- ij° K.
1615, Februar. Item, to Andro Hay, in name of the rtcht reuerend Father in God Johnne
Archbishope of Glasgow, the half of the soume of ane thousand nyne hundreth
fyftie thrie pundis sex schillingis aucht pennies, as the compositiounes of certane
remissiounes grantit to sum inhabitantis in Glasgow for heiring of Mess, and
resetting and intertaneing of umquhile Johne Ogilbie, Jesuit, sayer and cele-
brater of the same ; as the warrand with his acquittance producit heirupone
beiris, extending to the soume of (£976, 13s. 4d.) ixc lxxvj li, xiij s. iiij d.
A General Assembly was at length held at Glasgow, in June 1610,
when Archbishop Spottiswood assumed the Moderator's chair, and
several Acts concerning " the Discipline of the Kirk in all time
coming" were carried, with scarcely any opposition. These Acts,
with certain explanations and changes not sanctioned by the Church,
being ratified by Parliament in October 1612, Episcopacy was
thus established, and his Majesty had the satisfaction of seeing the
Church of Scotland brought to some degree of conformity with that
of England. It was however thought that the Scottish Prelates
were still deficient of the true Episcopal character; and three of
their number, Spottiswood, Hamilton, and Lamb, were summoned to
Court, for Consecration. The ceremony was duly performed, excepting
that the necessity of re-ordination as Presbyters, although urged, was
PREFACE. xxvii
not held to be absolutely essential; and on their return to Scotland,
they proceeded to invest their brethren with the same orders, or inhe-
rent powers which they themselves were supposed to have received.
How deficient this ceremony was, according to the sentiments now
entertained, need scarcely be mentioned, as their own consecration,
being destitute of the fundamental principle involved in the Apostolical
succession, their subsequent act could not convey to others what they
themselves did not possess.1
It is indeed very evident that Episcopacy, in its true and essential
features, although at times nominally professed, and legally established,
first in 1612, and again in 1662, never existed in this country ; and
the views of some recent writers, as if the Bishops in Scotland formed
consecutive links in the due order of Apostolical succession, are at best
a mere delusion.
The proceedings at the Perth Assembly in August 1618, and other
events connected with the affairs of the Church, are, more or less, clearly
to be traced in the following Correspondence, and need not be recapitu-
lated. But it may be observed, that the establishment of two Courts
of High Commission in February 1610, to be presided over by the
Archbishop in his own province, under the pretence of preventing the
Council from exercising jurisdiction in Spiritual matters, seems to have
originated in the evident reluctance on the part of the Lord Chan-
cellor, and the Lords of Privy Council, to enforce the very harsh
orders which were frequently sent from Court by the King, at the insti-
gation of his Spiritual counsellors and informers, against the Ministers
and such as opposed the scheme of constant Moderators, and other
innovations. In these Courts, which afterwards were united,2 the Arch-
1 This subject has been ably treated in Letter xvi. of a work, entitled " The Exclu-
sive Claims of Puseyite Episcopalians to the Christian Ministry Indefensible ; with an
Inquiry into the Divine Eight of Episcopacy and the Apostolic Succession," by the Rev.
Dr Brown of Langton. Edinb. 1842, 12mo.
' On the 21st of December 1615 (Calderwood's History, vol. vii., p. 204-10.)
xxv.ii PREFACE.
bishop, and any four of those who were named in the Commission, had
the power of fining, imprisoning, or excommunicating any person they
judged to be scandalous in life, or erroneous in doctrine and religion ;
and any Minister who refused to comply with the mandate of the Com-
missioners was liable to the severest penalties.1 But while so many of
the most faithful and zealous Ministers were silenced, and like Robert
Bruce, not permitted " to preach the Gospel" beyond the bounds to
which they were rigidly confined, his Majesty and the Bishops them-
selves found employment in endeavouring, but not very effectually, to
check the rapid growth of Popery.
And what, it may be asked, was the residt of so many years nego-
tiations, harsh proceedings, and pecuniary sacrifices, on the part of the
King? The Presbyterian form of Church government was abolished,
with a formal recognition of Diocesan Episcopacy ; but it was Episco-
pacy of a most anomalous kind, carrying a mere semblance of Prelatic
government ; Bishops who enjoyed tbeir dignities for many years with-
out consecration, and were never canonically consecrated ; the observance
of certain holidays, enjoined under severe penalties, was very generallv
neglected ; ceremonies enjoined which the people almost universally
refused to practise ; there was no Liturgy or fixed forms of prayer
prescribed, and no alteration made in the common forms of Presby-
terian worship ; the Bishops were restored to their old privileges in
Parliament, as the Spiritual Estate, and they presided at Synodal
Assemblies ; but they were contemned, and their Diocesan control
only partially acknowledged by their Presbyters. On the other
hand, his Majesty's Royal Prerogatives and Supremacy were asserted,
the ambition of some aspiring and worldly-minded individuals grati-
fied, and the Scottish Church brought to something approaching in
an outward conformity to that of England. It would have been
fortunate for James, " as !Nurse-Father " to the Church, had he pur-
• Dr Cook's remarks in his History of the Church of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 224-5.
PREFACE. xxix
sued a different policy, for promoting its peace and the welfare of his
subjects. At his death " he left in legacy to his Son," as an old
writer remarks, " a discontented People ; an unnecessary expensive
" War ; an encumbered Revenue, and an exhausted Treasury ; together
" with the charge of his grandchildren by the Queen of Bohemia, that
" were now divested of a large patrimony, derived to them by a long
" series of illustrious ancestors. In fine, he entailed upon his Son all
" the miseries that befell him ; and left in the minds of his subjects
" those sparks of discontent that broke out some years after into a flame
" of Civil War, which ended in the ruin of King Charles, and of the
" Monarchy with him."1
It is this circumstance which may be considered as rendering the
following Series of Letters of peculiar importance, as clearly testifying
that Charles only adopted the same policy which Jame3 had pursued
with such intense pertinacity, in regard to Ecclesiastical Affairs. Some
years later, indeed, at the instigation of Archbishop Laud, in order to
enforce a stricter conformity, a Book of Canons, and the Book of Com-
mon Prayer, were prepared and commanded to be observed. These
might at the time have been introduced without much opposition, but
the discontent which had been smouldering so long from the effects of
unwise and oppressive measures, then burst forth, and produced all
those disastrous consequences that so speedily followed.
But leaving these matters to the Historian, it may be useful, before
concluding this Preface, to present some brief notices of the chief Offi-
cers of State ; and, as the collection likewise contains so many letters of
the Scottish Prelates during the same period, to subjoin from the
Register of Presentations to Benefices, an accurate list of the succession
of Bishops, in the different Sees, from 1G03 to 1625.
1 Dr Wellwood's Memoirs, p. 20. Lond. 1700, 8vo.
xxx PREFACE.
Lord Chancellor of Scotland.
John Graham, Earl of Montrose, was appointed Lord Chancellor in
January 1598. He was in some measure superseded, upon being
nominated Lord High Commissioner to the Parliament which met at
Edinburgh in April 1604. He died in November 1608.1
Alexander Setoun, Lord Ftvie, created Earl of Dunfermline, was
educated at Rome for the Church, and took Holy Orders abroad, and
became Prior of Pluscardine. On his return to Scotland he pursued
his legal studies, passed Advocate, and was successively promoted to the
bench, as one of the Lords of Session, in 1586, as President of the
Court in 1593, and as Lord Chancellor in 1604. He held the latter
high office till his death in 1622.2
Sir George Hay of Kinfauns, Clerk-Register, succeeded the Earl of
Dunfermline as Lord Chancellor in July 1622 ; and was created Earl
of Kinnoull in May 1633. He died in December 1634.
Lord High Treasurer.
Sir George Hume of Greenlaw was made Treasurer, Comptroller,
and Collector, in 1601. He was created Earl of Dunbar, and a
Knight of the Garter, in the year 1609 ; and died suddenly on the 30th
of January 1611.
Sir Robert Ker or Carr, like his predecessor, was one of the King's
favourites, and was raised to the Peerage as Lord Rochester in 1611,
and was created Earl of Somerset in 1613. He was Treasurer from
1612 to 1616 ; but the chief duties of the office devolved on his kins-
man, Sir Gideon Murray, Treasurer-Depute.
John Erskine, Earl of Mar, succeeded as Treasurer in 1616, and
died in 1634.
1 Brunton's Senators of the College of Justice, p. 191. • lb. pp. 198-202.
PEEFACE. xxxi
Treasurer-Depute.
Sir John Arnot of Birswick, Provost of Edinburgh for several years
in succession, was appointed Treasurer-Depute under the Earl of Dun-
bar in 1604, and held the office till 1611. According to Scotstarvet,
Arnot acquired considerable property, which his family retained for no
lengthened period. But he appears to have been involved in debt at
the time of his decease, in January 1616.
Sir Gideon Murray of Elibank, the second son of Andrew Murray
of Blackbarony, became Treasurer-Depute under the Earl of Somerset.
He was educated for the Church, and took his Masters' degree at Glas-
gow, in 1581. In 1585 the name of Mr Gideon Murray, Chantor of
Aberdeen, occurs as Minister of Auchterless in Banffshire ; thus con-
firming Calderwood's remark, in noticing his death, 28th of June 1621,
" This man put his hand to the pleughe of the ministrie, but returned
back his hand." He was knighted in 1605, made a Lord of Session
in 1613, and as Treasurer-Depute he had nearly the whole direction
of the public revenue of Scotland. His son Patrick was raised to the
Peerage as Lord Elibank in 1643.
. Sir Archibald Napier of Merchiston, one of the Gentlemen of his
Majesty's Privy Chamber, was appointed Deputy Treasurer by the Earl
of Mar, and he continued till 1630. He was created Lord Napier in May
1627, and died In 1645.
Secretary of State.
Sir James Elphinstone, appointed Secretary in 1598, was created a
Peer in 1604, under the title of Lord Balmerinoch, and also became
President of the Court of Session in March 1605. His trial for having
added the words, " Sanctitatis v. obsequentissimus Filius," above the
King's signature, in a letter addressed by James to Pope Clement VIII.,
XXX11
PREFACE.
some years previously, is well known ; and for this he narrowly escaped
heing beheaded as a traitor in 1609.' He died in June 1612.
Sib Alexander Hay of Newton was Secretary from 1608 till 1612,
when he exchanged the office for that of Clerk-Register.
Sir Thomas Hamilton, who received his legal education in France,
passed Advocate in 1587, and -held various official appointments. In
1592 he was appointed a Lord of Session ; in 1596, King's Advocate;
in 1612, Clerk-Register, which office he soon after exchanged for the
Secretaryship with Sir Alexander Hay ; in 1616 he was President of
the Court of Session. In 1613 he was created Lord Binning, in 1619
Earl of Melros, and in 1627 he relinquished the title for that of Earl
of Haddington. During the life of King James he still retained the
place of Secretary ; and in the reign of Charles he became Keeper of
the Privy Seal. He died in May 1637.
Clerk-Register.
Sir John Skene of Curriehill was Clerk-Register from 1594 till his
retirement, in May 1612.
Sir Thomas Hamilton was appointed Clerk-Register in May, and
Secretary in October, 1612.
Sir Alexander Hat of Newton, as stated above, exchanged his office
of Secretary with his predecessor. He died in February 1616.
Sir George Hay of Nether Lyf and Kinfauns studied abroad, and
was made Commendator of the Priory of Charterhouse at Perth, in
February 1599. He held the office of Clerk-Register from March 1616
till July 1622, when he was advanced to that of Lord Chancellor.
Sir John Hamilton of Magdalens, brother to the Earl of Haddington,
was Clerk-Register from 1622 to 1632.
1 The proceedings, and various papers illustrative of this process, are contained in Pit-
rairu's Criminal Trials, vol. ii., pp. 568-604.
PREFACE. xxxiii
*
King's Advocate.
Thomas Hamilton of Priestfield, afterwards Lord Binning, and Earl
of Melros, held the office from 1596 to 1612.
Sir William Oliphant of Newton, from 1612 to 1626.
Lord Privy Seal.
Sir Richard Cockburn of Clerkington, from 1595 to 1626.
Gentleman of the Privt Chamber.
John Murray, son of Charles Murray of Cockpool, " his Hienes lovit
servitor," in February 1600 obtained a yearly pension of £420 out of
the Abbacy of Dundrennan. Having accompanied his Majesty to Eng-
land ; this confidential servant continued to act as a kind of agent for
the Bishops at the English Court. He seems to have retained a con-
siderable influence over the King ; and during the whole course of that
reign, his interest was often solicited by persons of distinction. He
cannot however be said to have neglected his own interest ; for having
acquired very extensive possessions in Annandale, he was raised to
the Peerage, as Viscount of Annand, in 1622, and Earl of Annandale,
in 1624, bv Letters Patent, in which his long and faithful services are
very amply acknowledged. His son, who succeeded in 1640, died
without issue, when the title became extinct. The bulk of Sir James
Balfour's collection of Letters and State Papers had probably been
acquired from the representatives of the first Earl, who had retained
in his own possession so large a number of official or private letters
addressed to his Royal Master ; and this, in fact, may have proved the
means of preserving them. Singularly enough, while the following-
sheets were at press, in a mass of papers which the Editor purchased,
xxxiv PREFACE.
he recovered several stray letters, addressed to John Murray of Loeh-
mabcn, which had escaped the notice of Sir James Balfour two cen-
turies ago. Such of these as related to Church affairs are introduced
into this series;1 many others, it is to be feared, were destroyed, or
perished from damp in the place where they had been deposited.
St Andrews.
George Gladstones or Glaidstanes, a native of Dundee, studied at
St Andrews. In October 1582 he was presented to the Vicarage of
Monrois, in the Diocese of Brechin ; and about the same time became
Minister of Abirlot. In July 1597 he was translated to St Andrews,
as parish Minister ; and, in September 1598, he was appointed Chan-
cellor of the University. In November 1600 he was nominated by the
King to the See of Caithness, with a seat in Parliament, vacant by
decease of Bobert Earl of March, last Bishop thereof. On the 21th of
November ] 602, " Maister [George] Gledstanes, Bischop of Caithnes, be
his Maiesteis directioun and command being ressauit and admittit to be
ane of his Maiesteis Preuey Counsale, the said Maister George being
personalie present gaif his aith in communi forma." 2 As Gladstones
still continued Minister of St Andrews, this circumstance may have led
the King to advance him to the Primacy, 12th of October 1604. A pen-
sion of 300 merks was assigned to him, in lieu " of the Palice belangand
to the said Archbischop as his proper maner place, callit the Castell of St
Androis," and which he resigned " in the handis of owre maist gratious
Souerane, to remain with his Hienes his maist noble progenie as ane
1 A few other Ecclesiastical letters, which belonged to a late eminent Collector, have
come into the Editor's possession while this sheet is at press. Only two were of sufficient
importance to be added to this series.
* Registrum Secreti Concilii.
PREFACE. xxxv
Palice belangand to the Crowne."1 His death, on the 2d of May 1615,
is specially mentioned in the following Letters, and by Calderwood.2
John Spottiswood, eldest son of John Spottiswood, Superinten-
dent of Lothian, and Minister of Calder, was born in 1565. He
studied at Glasgow, where he took his Master's degree in 1581 ; and
being licensed in 1586, he succeeded his father as Minister of Calder.
In October 1589, he married Rachael, daughter of David Lindesay,
Minister of Leith, and afterwards Bishop of Ross.3 In July 1603 he
was nominated Archbishop of Glasgow, but was not admitted till the
end of 1604. Amongst other grants which he received, for his services
" in establishing the discipline of the Kirk," may be mentioned the
Abbacy of Kilwinning, on the 9th of August 1614. He was trans-
lated to the See of St Andrews, on the 30th of May 1615. During the
reign of James, he continued to take a leading part in all matters of
importance ; and having secured the favour of Charles, his ambition was
at length gratified, in January 1635, when he was raised to the high
dignity of Lord Chancellor of Scotland. Presbytery being restored by
the General Assembly held at Glasgow in November 1638, Spottis-
wood was deprived of both offices, and formally deposed. He spent
the remaining portion of his life in London, where he died on the 26th
of November 1639.
Aberdeen.
Peter Blackburn, a native of Glasgow, where he was educated,
became one of the Regents in that University. In 1588 he was
admitted Minister of St Nicholas's Church in New Aberdeen ; and
advanced to that See on the 2d of September 1600, on the death of
1 Register of Presentations to Benefices, vol. iii. 3 History, vol. vii., p. 197.
3 " J 589, Sept'. 6. The quhilk day, compeirit Maister Jchnne Spottiswood and Eachiel
Lyndsay, and gave up thair names to be proclamed, and maried within ane raoneth ; and in
caice they be absent frome the eftir noon's sermone, sal pay xls. Thomas Lyndsay, cau-
tioner. (In the margin.) Maried 12 October 1589." (Kirk Session Book of South Leith.)
noi PREFACE.
David Cunningham, Bishop of Aberdeen. On occasion of the Pre-
lates joining in the Riding of the Parliament in July 1606, Blackburn
considering it not beseeming the simplicity of a Minister to ride with
such pomp, went on foot to the Parliament House.1 He died in June
1616.
Alexander Forbes was translated to this See from Caithness, 2 1st
of July 1616, but died in December in the following year.
Patrick Forbes of Corse only entered into holy orders in 1612,
in the 47th year of his age, when he became Minister of Keith in the
Diocese of Murray. He was advanced to the See of Aberdeen in March
1618 ; and survived till March 1635.2
Argyle.
John Campbell succeeded his father, Neil Campbell, Minister of
Kilmartin, as Bishop of Argyle, in June 1608. He died in 1612.
Andrew Boyd, Parson of Eaglesham (1588), a natural son of Lord
Boyd, was preferred to this See, 13th of March 1613. He died on the
22d of December 1636, aged 70.
Brechin.
Alexander Campbell of Carco, titular Bishop of Brechin, resigned
his office in April 1607, and died " at his place of Carco," in February
1608. He had obtained a grant of the Bishoprick in 1566, in his youth,
through the influence of the Earl of Argyle.
Andrew Lamb, a native of Leith, was successively Minister oT
Arbroath (1596), of Leith (1600), and of the Chapel Royal (1601.)
In April 1607 he became Bishop of Brechin; and he was one of three
1 Calderwood's History, vol. vi., p. 494.
* A volume of Orations and Poems, on occasion of the Bishop's Funerals, was printed
at Aberdeen, 1635, 4to, and reprinted, with numerous and valuable biographical notices,
by C. F. Shand, Esq., Advocate, for the Spottiswoode Society. Edinburgh, 1845. 8vo.
PREFACE. xxxvii
Bishops who received Episcopal consecration in England, in October
1610. In August 1619 he was translated to the See of Galloway.
David Lindesay, D.D., Minister of Guthrie (1599), and of Dundee
(1603), became Lamb's successor as Bishop of Brechin, 2d of November
1619. When Edinburgh was erected into a See by Charles the First, in
1633, and the first Bishop, Dr William Forbes, having died within twelve
months, Dr Lindesay was translated from Brechin. He was deposed in
1638, and died in England in December 1641.
Caithness.
George Gladstones, Minister of St Andrews, was preferred to the
See of Caithness, 5th of November 1600, on the death of Robert Earl of
March, last Bishop thereof; and was translated to St Andrews in 1604.
Alexander Forbes, Minister of Fettercairn (1593), in November 1604
was promoted to Caithness ; and in 1616 was translated to Aberdeen.
John Abernethy, D.D., Minister of Jedburgh (1593), was appointed
Bishop, 7th of December 1616. He continued in this See till the change
of affairs in 1638; when he abjured Episcopacy, and was allowed to retain
his parochial charge at Jedburgh.
Dunblane.
Andrew Grahame was elected Bishop in this See, in 1575, and
resigned the said benefice and Bishoprick in February 1603.
George Grahame, a younger son of Grahame of Inchbrakie, in
Perthshire, Minister of Cluny (] 593), of Auchtergaven and Logybryde
(1595), and of Scone (1601), was preferred to this See. He was trans-
lated to that of Orkney in 1615.
Adam Bellenden, Minister of Falkirk (1593), became his succes-
sor in September 1615, as Bishop of Dunblane. He had a grant of
the Priory of Monymusk, in February 1616. On the 16th of July
1621 the Deanery of the Chapel Royal, upon the resignation of Andrew
/
xxxviii PREFACE.
Bishop of Galloway, was granted to Adam Bishop of Dunblane, and his
successors. In 1635 he was translated to Aberdeen, and died in Eng-
land after his deprivation by the Glasgow Assembly.
DlJNKELD.
Petek Bollock of Piltoun was bred to the law, and was admitted an
Advocate previous to the year 1575 ; and although not in orders, " a
Bishop in respect of the benefice, but never a Minister,"1 he was made
titular Bishop of Dunkeld in 1585, and a Lord of Session in 1596. He
was one of ten Prelates who attended at the riding of Parliament in
July 1606. The anomaly of a layman sitting in Parliament, and voting
among the Spiritual Lords, led to his resignation, receiving a compensa-
tion for the emoluments of the Bishopric, to make room for a person
actually serving in the ministry.
James Nicolson, Minister of Meigle (1583), who presided at the
General Assembly at Linlithgow,2 in December 1606, and was regarded
as an efficient coadjutor in promoting the establishment of Prelacy,
was then promoted ; but seems to have enjoyed no great satisfaction
during the short period of his new career, not exceeding five or six
months. Calderwood asserts, that " seeing his devices crossed, neither
the King nor the Kirk contented, but his own estimatioun greatlie
impaired, and specially for depraving the Act of Linlithgow, ane heavie
melancholie fell upon him, which did wring his life from him."3 He
died on the 17th of August 1607.
1 Calderwood's History, vol. vi., p. 493.
• It would seem that Nicolson had felt some reluctance in accepting this dignity. The
Secretary, Lord Balmerinoch, in a letter to the King, dated 21st January 1G07, says : —
" The Erll of Dunbar lies putt Maister James Nicolsoun and Maister Andro Lamb to
ane poynt, so I hope your Maiestie salbe als wele pleesed with those twa Bischopis as
ony of the rest, and that thair labouris in that work sail not be improffitable." (Letters
and State Papers, p. 99.)
3 Calderwood further states that Nicolson " would not suffer the name or style of a
PREFACE. xxxix
Alexander Lindesay, Minister of St Madoes (1593), was promoted
to the See of Dunkeld, in December 1607. In 1638 he was one of
four Prelates who renounced their office, and abjured Episcopacy :
submitting to his former Presbyterian parity, he continued to officiate
as Minister of St Madoes.
Edinburgh.
This See was only erected by Charles the First, the 29th of Sep-
tember 1633.
Galloway.
Gavin Hamilton, a son of Hamilton of Orbiston, second Minister of
Hamilton (1590), and Minister of Bothwell (1595), was promoted to
this See in February 1605. He was consecrated at London along with
the Bishops of Glasgow and Brechin, 20th of October 1610. He died
in July 1612.
William Cowpej, Minister of Bothkennar (1586-1593), and second
Minister of Perth (1593-1615), was his successor. He was a volumi-
nous author, his works combining great learning and piety, and he had
long been opposed to all innovations in the Church. His nomination
as Bishop of Galloway is dated in July 1612, but he seems to have
delayed for some time accepting the office. As Bishop he also became
Dean of the Chapel Royal of Stirling, and latterly resided in Edin-
burgh, where he died 15th of February 1619.
Andrew Lamb, Minister in June 1605, was made Abbot and Com-
mendator of the Abbacy of Cowpar ; and was translated from the
See of Brechin to Galloway, 4th August 1619. He died in the year
1634.
Bishop to be putt in his latter will or testament, nor the rents thereof to come in reckon-
ing among the goods and geare left to his wife and children." (Vol. vi., p. 672.) It is
certain, that in his Confirmed Testament he simply styles himself Minister of Meigle.
xl PREFACE.
Glasgow.
John Spottiswood, Minister of Calder, as already mentioned, was
nominated to this See after the death of Archbishop Beaton, the Roman
Catholic Prelate, who had resided at Paris for upwards of forty years,
and enjoyed the temporalities of the See of Glasgow till his death in
April 1603. In October 1610 Spottiswood, Hamilton, and Lamb,
received Episcopal consecration according to the form of the Church of
England. Upon the death of Gladstones he was translated to St
Andrews, in May 1615.
James Law, Minister of Kirkliston (1588), and Bishop of Orkney
(1605), became Spottiswood's successor at Glasgow, in July 1615. He
died in November 1632.
Murray.
Alexander Douglas, Minister of Elgin (1588), was promoted to the
Sec of Murray, in November 1602, after the death of George Douglas,
last Bishop, " with all the duties, privileges, &c, according to the dis-
cipline of the Kirk." He died at Elgin in May 1623.
John Gcthrie, Minister of Abirlot (1607), of Perth (1617), and of
Edinburgh (1621), was advanced to this See, 16th of August 1623.
In November 1638 he was deposed, with the other Prelates, and excom-
municated ; after which he appears to have held no pastoral office till
his death.
Orkney.
James Law, Minister of Kirkliston (1588), became Bishop of Orkney
in March 1605, where he sat till his translation to Glasgow, in July 1615.
George Grahame, Minister of Scone, and Bishop of Dunblane, was
in August 1615 translated to Orkney. In 1638 he renounced his Epis-
copal functions, and acknowledged publicly the unlawfulness of his
PREFACE. xli
office. He then retired into private life ; and by his submission he was
exempted from the sentence of excommunication, and thereby retained
his estate of Gorthy, and other possessions.
Ross.
David Lindesay. This venerable Minister, who survived all his bre-
thren of the period of the Reformation, was in July 1560 nominated
first Minister of Leith, and in this charge he continued for the long
space of fifty-three years. He accompanied King James in his voyage
to Norway, and performed the marriage ceremony with the Princess
Anna of Denmark, in 1589-90. In June 1597 he obtained a grant of
" all and sundry caynis and customes quhatsumever pertening to the
Bishoprick of Ross," in consideration of " his great and profitable
services, and the expenses, amounting to 2000 merkis, spent in his
voyage to Denmark, at the time of the King's marriage." On the
5th of November 1600, he was appointed to the Bishoprick of Ross,
then vacant by the decease of Alexander Hepburn, last Bishop thereof.
He died at Leith, 14th of August 1613. His son-in-law, the Arch-
bishop of Glasgow, solicited the King, that David Lindesay, the second
son of the late Bishop, should become his father's successor in that
See,1 but the application was unsuccessful.
Patrick Lindesay, Minister of St Vigeans (1593), was appointed
Bishop of Ross, 23d October 1613.2 In 1633 he was translated to
Glasgow.
1 To distinguish him from his namesake, who happened to be his father's colleague and
successor, as Minister of Leith (see note to page xxi.), it may be noticed, that in one of
the Kirk Session Books of South Leith, the witnesses to the baptism of Agnes, daughter
of George Smailholm and Barbara Lyndsay, on the 30th August 1608, were " Mr David
Lyndsay, Bishop of Ross, Mr David Lyndsay younger, his son, Persone of St Tullois in
Southwark, in London, and Archibald Prymrois."
' David Lindsay, " second iawfull son to Patiik Bishop of Ross," obtained a presenta-
tion to the Monastery or Priory of St Bothaus, in Berwickshire, 23d July 1617.
xlii PREFACE.
The Isles.
Andrew Knox, second son of Vchtred Knox of Ranfurly, in Renfrew-
shire, took bis degree of Master of Arts in the University of Glasgow,
in 1570, and was Minister of Lochwinnoch (1582), and of Paisley
(1585.) Upon the death of John Campbell, he was appointed Bishop
of the Isles, 12th February 1605, and Abbot of Icolumkill, in February
1G0G. He was promoted to the See of Raphoe, in Ireland, by patent
dated 26th of June 1611 ;l and there is reason to believe that he
actually contrived to retain both Sees for several years. He received
letters of denization, 22d of September 1619, probably on occasion of
his continued residence in Ireland ; as his son,
Thomas Knox, Parson of Sorbie, who had been preferred to the
Deanery of tiie Isles, 4th August 1618, became his father's successor
as Bishop of the Isles, in February 1619. He died in 1628. His father,
the Bishop of Raphoe, survived till 1632.
It only remains to add, that it did not seem to be very requisite to
give a detailed reference to the Original Letters, as this would have
inconveniently enlarged the Table of Contents. As already mentioned,
a considerable portion of the Letters are contained in the three volumes
of Sir James Balfour's collections on Church Affairs ; f in addition to
those which are interspersed in his volumes designated " State Busi-
ness."3 Some others are added from the originals among Wodrow's
Manuscripts in the Advocates Library ; 4 besides such as belong to the
1 Archdeacon Cotton's Fasti Ecclesite Hibcrnictc, vol. iii., p. 351.
5 These volumes are marked 33 : 3 : 12, and 33 : 1 : 3, (the old marks, A. 2. 51, 5J.
53.) The letters (excluding a few not belonging to the period embraced in this publica-
tion), contain, Vol. I., 97 letters ; Vol. II., 107 letters ; Vol. III., 80 letters.
8 The volumes on " State Business" are arranged chiefly according to the respective
dates, and are bound in eleven volumes.
«Folib MSS., Vol. xlii. (Calderwood's collections), Nos. 2, 18, 38, 76, 117, 121,
PREFACE. xl
in
Editor of this Work.1 With a few exceptions,2 all the Royal Letters
included in the Additional Letters, and the Acts of the Privy Council
of Scotland, are given from the originals, or the official records in the
General Register House.
In presenting these Volumes to the Members of the Bannattne Club,
I may express the hope that they will be esteemed a valuable contri-
bution to the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland. It may be proper
to take this opportunity of stating, that the publication was recom-
mended to me by the Secretary of the Club, who kindly offered his
services both in forming the collection, and in conducting it through the
press. The selections referred to at page vii., consisting chiefly of the
Letters of Gladstones, Spottiswood, and other Bishops, had been pre-
pared some years before by his younger Brother,3 for the purpose of
being printed as a contribution by a friend of his for the Abbotsford
Club ; but owing to the delicate state of his health, and his not having
the convenience of free access to the originals, the project was long
delayed, and was finally abandoned when the Abbotsford Club had dis-
continued all active operations.
The present Collection of Letters and State Papers has extended
much beyond the limits originally proposed, and this extension has
137, 177, 181, 188, 211; Vol. 1., Nos. 172, 173; Vol. lxvi., Nos. 39, 78, 85, 86,
100, 142, 145, 150. Quarto 1188., Vol. xx., Nos. 82, 331. The sources which fur-
nished Nos. 1, 38, 202, 300, 305, 317, 356, 298f, and 298ft, are specified in the foot-
notes.
■ These letters are printed in this series as Nos. 144, 240, 281, 282, 297, 304, 354,
358, 378, 399, 438.
* The Additional Letters, Nos. 193t and 197f, among the " Gray Letters," and No.
312ftf, from the Balcarras Papers, vol. viii., in the Advocates Library; No. 206f in the
Earl of Morton's collection; and Nos. 2f, 44f, 120f, I73f, 205f, belonging to the
Editor.
* Mr James Laing, who, on account of his health having finally settled at Kandy
in the Island of Ceylon, died there, in the prime of life, in September 1846.
xliv PREFACE.
unavoidably occasioned a much longer delay than was anticipated. I
regret the delay, but the Bannatyne Club at least will probably not
consider this circumstance a disadvantage.
Norton Hall, Northamptonshire,
28th November 1851.
I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OF VOLUME FIRST.
PREFACE,
Page
v
No. M.DC.HI.
1. His Majesty King James to the Presbytery of Edinburgh, 9 August, 1
M.DC.IV.
2. Mr Patrick Galloway to the Presbytery of Edinburgh, 10 February, 3
2.f A Note of Things which were proposed to be Reform-
ed at the Conference held at Hampton Court, in
January, ..... . . 4
2.ff His Majesty to the Comptroller, ... 23 March, 455*
3. Mr James Duncanson to King James, . . . (no date), 8
3.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, . 25 September, 353*
M.DC.V.
4. Sir Alexander Stratoun to King James,
5. The Commissioners of the Kirk to King James,
6. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
6.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
7. The Provincial Assembly at Aberdeen to King James,
8. Sir Alexander Stratoun to King James,
9. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
10. Sir Alexander Stratoun to King James,
11. The Bishop of Murray to King James,
ll.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
12. Charge by the Privy Council against Mr Robert Bruce,
14.f The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
14. Mr John Hall to King James,
14.ft His Majesty to Lord Spynie,
15. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
16. His Majesty to Mr John Caldcleuch,
19 January,
10
19 „ •
10
23 „
12
11 February,
354*
21 „
14
4 March,
15
22 „
16
11 May,
17
19 June,
18
19 July,
355*
8 August,
19
September,
358*
2 December,
22
17 „
455*
26 „
24
27 „
25
9
xlvi
CONTENTS.
No.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
21-t
21-tt
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
34.t
35.
36.
37.
«
S84J
38.t
39.
39.t
40.
41.
42.
M.DC.VI.
Mr Patrick Galloway to King James,
Mr John Scharp to King James,
Sir Thomas Hamilton, Lord Advocate, to King James,
Lord Fleming to King James,
Sir Alexander Btratoun to King James,
Lord Balmerinoch, Secretary, to King James,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
The Commissioners of the Kirk to King James,
Mr James Nicholson to King James,
The Earl of Dunfermline to King James, .
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
The Synod of Aberdeen to King James,
The Bishop of Ross to King James,
Mr John Johnston to King James,
The Bishops of St Andrews, Galloway, and Caithness, to
King James, .....
The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
His Majesty to Mr William Scott,
The Lord Chancellor to King James,
The Lord Chancellor to King James, .
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
The Archbishop of Canterbury to King James,
The Earl of Montrose to King James,
Mr Patrick Lindesay to King James,
Report of the Conference betwixt his Majesty and some
of the Ministers of Scotland at Hampton Court,
Note respecting this Report,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
His Majesty to the Presbytery of Dunfermline,
Acts of the Privy Council of Scotland : —
Charge against the Warded Ministers,
His Majesty's Letter respecting them, dated
Direction to Sir John Arnot for their Transporting,
The Earl of Montrose to King James,
The Lords of Privy Council, &c, to King James, .
The Lords Commissioners to King James, .
iaoa
Page
1 January,
27
(no date),
28
11 January,
31
13 „
34
18 „
35
20 „
359*
22 „
360*
29 „
36
6 February,
37
7 n
38
9 „
40
20 „
41
7 March,
43
14 „
45
15 „
45
17 May,
47
21 „
48
25 „
50
16 June
51
19 „
53
24 „
365*
26 „
54
7 July
M
12 „
57
22 September,
59
366*
26
367*
20 October,
67
23 „
368*
26 September.
369*
23 October
370*
13 December,
69
13 „
70
16 „
72
M.DC.VII.
42.| His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
3 January, 371'
CONTENTS.
xlvii
No.
43. The Provost and Baillies of Edinburgh to King James,
43.f His Majesty to Lord Balmerinoch,
43.|t Act of Privy Council against Mr Charles Ferine, &c,
44. The Earl of Montrose to King James,
44.f His Majesty to Lord Balmerinoch,
44.tf His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
45. The Baillies and Council of Glasgow to King James,
46. The Bishop of Orkney to King James,
47. The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
48. His Majesty to Sir John Leirmonth,
49. Mr Patrick Galloway to King James,
50. The Baillies and Council of Edinburgh to King James,
50. f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
51. The Bishop of Murray to King James,
52. His Majesty to Mr John Caldcleuch,
53. The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
54. The Lords of Privy Council to the Presbytery of Cupar,
54. f The Lords of Privy Council to Mr Eobert Bruce, .
12. Mr Robert Bruce to King James, .
13. Mr Bobert Bruce to the Lords of Privy Council, .
54.ft His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
55. The Archbishop and Bishops to the Earl of Dunbar,
oo.'f Act of Privy Council in favour of the Bishop of Murray,
56. The Bishop of Boss to King James,
57. The Bishop of the Isles to King James,
58. The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
58.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
59. The Bishop of Galloway to King James, .
59f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
60. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
60.f His Majesty to the Duke of Lennox, • .
60. ft Act of the Privy Council on the ranking and voting of
Bishops in Parliament, ....
61. Mr Bobert Howye to King James,
62. The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
63. The Bishop of Aberdeen to King James, .
64. The Earl of Abercorne to King James,
65. The Baillies and Council of Edinburgh to King James,
66. The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
66.^ His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
66.ftt His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
67. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
68. The Bishop of Ross to King James,
1607.
Page
6 February,
74
21
371*
23 „
373*
26 „
75
5 March,
373*
9 n
456*
7 „
76
14 „
78
16 „
80
7 April,
81
7 „
82
8 N
84
20 „
374*
29 „
85
3 May,
86
>»
87
21 „
88
2 June
376*
(in June)
20
(same time), 21
3 June,
377*
8 „
89
16 „
378*
17 „
93
27 „
94
3 July,
95
3 „
379*
12 „
96
13 „
381*
20 „
98
24 „
382*
31 „
383»
9 August,
99
(no date),
101
(no date),
103
26 August,
104
4 September
106
4 „
108
6 „
383*
6 „
385*
8 „
109
17 „
110
xlviii
CONTENTS.
No.
66. tt Act for making open doors of Mr Andrew Melvill's
Chalmer, . . . •
69. The Bishop of Durham to King James,
70. The Presbytery of Lanark to King James,
72. The Archbishop of Canterbury to King James,
72.J His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
71. His Majesty to Mr John Caldcleuch, &c, .
73. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
74. The Ministers of Edinburgh to King James,
74.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
75. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
75.f Act of the Privy Council for Continuation of the Gene-
ral Assembly, .....
1607.
Page
24 September, 384*
24 „
7 October,
12
18
18
28
28
111
113
117
387*
116
117
119
14 November, 388*
(no date), 121
24 December, 389"
76.
76.t
77.
77-f
78.
80.
79.
81.
82.
82.f
82.ft
83.
83.f
83.ttt
83.ft
85.
84.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
92.t
93.
M.DC.VUI.
Mr John Murray, Minister, to King James,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
His Majesty to Sir John Houstone, Provost of Glasgow,
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
Sir John Houstone to King James,
The Archbishop of St Andrews to Mr John Caldcleuch,
Mr Andrew Boyd to King James, .
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
Acts of Privy Council against Mr Patrick Henderson,
The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
Act of Privy Council against Mr David Calderwood and
Others, ......
His Majesty to Sir John Houstone,
The Commissioners of the Burrows to King James,
His Majesty to the General Assembly at Linlithgow,
The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
The Bishop of Durham to King James,
The Presbytery of Edinburgh to King James,
The Bishop of the Isles to King James,
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
The Lords of Privy Council to the Presbytery of Had-
dington, ....
Mr Robert Durie to King James, .
9 February, 122
7 March, 391*
10 „ 124
20 „ 391*
20 „ 126
17 April, 127
19 „ 128
(no date), 132
25 April, 132
30 „ 392*
4 & 17 May, 393*
27 „ 140
30 „ 395*
30 „ 397*
7 June, 396*
14 „ 142
8 July, 146
20 „ 143
31 „ 145
(no date), 147
16 August, 151
17 September, 152
3 October, 154
13 „ 155
13
21
399*
156
CONTENTS.
xlix
No.
94. Mr John Forbes to King James,
95. The Presbytery of Stirling to King James,
96. The Ministers of Edinburgh to King James,
97. The Ministers of Edinburgh to King James,
98. The Presbytery of Edinburgh to King James,
99. The Bishop of Orkney to King James,
100. His Majesty to Sir John Houstone,
101. The Commissioners of the Assembly to King James,
102. The Commissioners of the Assembly to King James,
103. The Commissioners of the Assembly to King James,
104. Sir Alexander Drummond of Medhope to King James,
104.^ Act for Proclamation of the Convention,
105. The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
106. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
1608. Pa#e
(no date), 158
10 November, 161
12
15
15
17
24
25
25
25
27
24
163
164
165
167
169
170
171
172
175
400*
6 December, 177
29 „ 179
M.DC.IX.
106.| His Majesty to the Convention of Estates,
106.ff His Majesty to the Convention of Estates, .
107. William Creichtoun to Sir Andrew Murray,
108. The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
109. Mr John Prestoun to King James,
110. The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
111. Memorials from the Bishops to his Majesty; and the Arch-
bishop of Glasgow to the Bishop of Galloway,
111.')' His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
111. ft His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
112. The Archbishops, &c, to the Lords of Privy Council,
112.f His Majesty to Sir Thomas Hamilton, Lord Advocate,
112.ft Act of Commission to the Archbishop of Glasgow,
113. Mr Patrick Symsone to the Commissioners of Assembly,
114. The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
115. The Archbishop and Bishops to King James,
116. The Earl of Dunbar, &c, to King James, .
117. The Bishop of Orkney to the Presbytery of Jedburgh,
118. The Bishops of Ross and Orkney to King James
119. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
119-t His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
1 1 !).ft Act in favour of the Archbishop of Glasgow,
120. Sir Peter Young to King James, .
120.t Sir Thomas Hamilton, Lord Advocate, to King James,
121. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
122. The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
122-t His Majesty to the Lords Commissioners on Benefices,
9 January, 401*
23 „ 402*
27 „ 180
28 „ 182
10 February, 184
10 „ 185
(no date), j^
5 March, 404*
'5 „ 405*
(no date), 191
24 „ 400*
28 „ 407*
3 April, 192
(no date), 193
7 „ 197
(no date), 198
9 ,,[1608?] 199
(no date), 200
30 May, 203
31 „ 409*
13 June 410*
19 „ 204
24 „ 411*
11 September, 205
28 „ 206
8 October, 413*
I
CONTENTS.
No.
122.ft The Lords Commissioners on Benefices to the Archbishops
and Bishops, ....
124.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
124.f| The Lords Commissioners on Benefices to Lord Scone,
123. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
124.JJ His Majesty to the Commissioners on Benefices,
125. The Provost and Council of Glasgow to King James,
126. ' The Lords of Privy Council to the Earl of Dunbar,
127. The Bishop of Brechin, &c, to King James,
128. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
129. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
130. The Bishop of Ross to King James,
130-t The Lords of Privy Council to the Presbytery of St
Andrews, .....
131. The Bishops of Aberdeen and Murray to King James,
132. Robert Lord Roxburghe to King James,
132.f The Commissioners for Visiting the University of St
Andrews to the Rector, Masters, and Regents, .
1609.
Page
20 October, 415*
23 „ 416*
3 November, 417*
• (no date), 207
10 „ 418*
11 „ 210
17 „ 211
18 „ 212
(no date), 215
24 „ 218
27 „ 219
28 „ 419*
15 December, 220
(no date), 221
28
430*
M.DC.X.
133. Mr Peter Rollock of Pilton to King James,
134. The Lords of Council and Session to King James,
134. f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
134.ft His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
134.fff His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
140.t Act of Privy Council against Mr John Harper and Others,
135. Mr Patrick Forbes of Corse to King James,
136. The Ministers of Edinburgh to King James,
137. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
138. The Bishop of Murray to King James,
139. The Bishop of Dunkeld to King James,
140. Mr Alexander Campbell, &c, to King James,
140.H His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
141. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
142. His Majesty to the Presbytery of Turreft',
143. His Majesty's Missive to Presbyteries,
144. His Majesty to Sir John Skene, Clerk Register,
145. His Majesty to Mr George Lindsay,
146. The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
147. The Members of the Court of High Commission in the
Province of St Andrews to King James,
148. The Members of that Court to King James,
149. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
(no date)
223
11
January,
225
20
7>
421*
20
J»
422*
20
»
423*
►thers, 30
»
423*
15
February,
227
17
»
228
18
)>
230
20
»
231
22
»
232
(no date),
234
3 March,
424*
12
»
235
31
»
236
1
April,
238
2
»
239
2
»
240
(no date),
241
n the
10
»>
242
10
»
243
18
»
245
CONTENTS.
No.
149.f
150.
150.f
151.
152.
152.t
153.
153.f
154.
155.
156.
157.
158.
159.
159.f
159.ft
159.ttt
160.
101.
162.
163.
164.
164.t
164.ft
165.
166.
167.
168.
175.
169.
169.t
179.
170.
170.t
no.tt
no.ttt
171.
His Majesty to the Earl of Dunbar,
His Majesty to the General Assembly at Glasgow,
The Lords of Privy Council to the Provost and Baillies
ofTayne, .....
The Archbishop of St Andrews to the Presbytery of
Chirnesyde, .....
The Bishop of Galloway to King James,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
The Bishop of the Isles, &c, to King James,
The Lords of Privy Council to the Lord Deputy of Ireland,
Dr John Gordon, Dean of Salisbury, to King James,
The Rector, &c, of the University of St Andrews to King
James, ......
Dame Margaret Setoun, Lady Paisley, to Queen Anna,
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
Memoires to the King His Sacred Majestie,
His Majesty to the Lords Auditors of Exchequer, .
Acts of Privy Council relating to Mr Charles Ferme, 13 &
1610.
8 May,
8 n
24 „
Page
425*
248
425*
28 „ 250
1 June, 251
30 July, 426*
(no date), 253
3 August, 427*
(no date), 254
22 „ 255
1 September, 257
12 „ 258
17 October, 258
17 „ 259
24 „ 429*
15 November, 429*
M.DC.XI.
Act of Privy Council, Charge against Mr Robert Bruce, 21 February, 430*
The Bishop of Dunkeld to King James, » . 26 „ 262
The Bishops of St Andrews and Brechin to King James, 2 March, 263
The Bishop of Murray to King James, . . 11 „ 264
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . 16 „ 265
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . 21 „ 266
Mr Robert Bruce to King James, . . . 28 „ 431*
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, . 8 April, 432*
The Bishop of Orkney to King James, . . 2 May 267
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . 9 „ 269
The University of St Andrew to King James, . 4 „ 271
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . 25 „ 273
The Lords of Privy Council to King James, . 30 „ 285
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . 9 June, 274
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, . 15 „ 433*
The Lords of Privy Council to King James, . 20 „ 291
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . (no date), 276
The Lords of Privy Council to the Bishop of Murray, (no date), 434*
His Majesty to the Lord Chancellor, . . (no date), 435*
His Majesty to the Lord Chancellor, . . 17 August, 436*
The Bishop of Murray to King James, . . (no date), 277
lii
CONTENTS.
No.
172. The Archbishop of Glasgow to Sir James Sempill,
172.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
172.ff Act of Privy Council respecting the meetings of the High
Commission,
172.ftt The Earl of Dunfermline, Lord Chancellor, to the Arch-
bishop of St Andrews, ....
172.J t The Lord Chancellor and the Archbishops of St Andrews
and Glasgow to the Kector of the University, and the
Provost and Baillies of St Andrews,
M.DC.XII.
172.JJ J His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
173. His Majesty to the Archbishop of Glasgow,
1734 The Archbishop of Glasgow to John Murray,
174. Sir Robert Melville of Murdocairny to King James,
176. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
177. The Earl of Caithness to King James,
178. The Bishop of Orkney to King James,
178.t His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
180. Sir Alexander Hay of Newton to King James,
181. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
182. The Archbishop of St Andrews and the Bishop of Caith-
ness to John Murray, ....
183. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
184. The. Archbishop of St Andrews to John Murray,
185. Memoirs to be imparted to His Majesty,
186. Mr Peter Bruce, Principal of St Leonard's College, St
Andrews, to Sir James Sempill,
187. Mr William Cowper, Minister of Perth, to King James,
M.DC.XHI.
187.t His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, .
188. Mr Andrew Boyd, Minister of Eaglesham, to the Arch-
bishop of Glasgow, ....
189. The Bishop of Murray to King James,
190. Petitions of the Bishop of Murray to King James
191. His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
192. Mr Samuel Cockburn of Temple to King James,
193. The Bishop of Aberdeen to King James,
193.f The Archbishop of Glasgow to John Murray,
1 93."f"T His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
1 94. The Archbishops of St Andrews and Glasgow to King James,
1611.
Page
12 October,
279
15 „
436'
25
25
437*
438*
21 November
,439*
20 January,
440*
10 April,
282
24 „
441*
(no date),
284
29 May,
287
31 „
288
5 June,
289
17 „
442»
4 July,
293
31 August,
294
31 „
296
23 September, 297
23 „
299
(no date),
299
23 „
300
(no date),
302
20 January,
443*
12 February,
303
(no date),
304
(no date),
305
(no date),
306
(no date),
308
1 June,
309
2 „
444*
28 „
446*
10 July,
311
CONTENTS.
liii
195. The Bishop of Murray to King James,
196. The Earl of Wigtoun to King James,
196.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
197. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
1614. Page
24 July, 313
6 October, 314
18 „ 446*
2 November, 315
197-t
198.
199.
199.f
200.
201.
199.t
202.
203.
204.
204.t
204.ft
205.
205.t
205.ft
20r,.ttt
206.
206.ft
207.
208.
209.
210.
211.
212.
213.
214.
M.DC.X1V.
The Archbishop of St Andrews to John Murray, .
The Bishop of Murray to King James,
The Bishop of Orkney to John Murray,
Act of Privy Council for apprehending James Stewart
called of Jerusalem, ....
The Bishop of Orkney to King James,
Extracts from Advertisements sent to Court of the Privy
Council Proceedings, in February to July,
Act of Privy Council for Celebration of the Communion,
The Archbishop of St Andrews to the Magistrates of
Perth, . . .
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
Sir Gideon Murray to King James,
Mr Peter Hewat to John Murray,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
Act of Privy Council respecting the Transporting of Pas-
sengers from Canipvere,
Information from the Bishop of Orkney to his Majesty
of the Yearly Rent of the Lands designed to him and
his Successors, ... . '
The Bishop of Orkney to the Treasurer-Depute,
Sir Gideon Murray to King James,
Rental of the Lands designed to the Bishop of Orkney,
The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
The Archbishops and Bishops to John Murray,
The Bishop of Galloway to David Hume of Godscroft,
Lord Binning to John Murray,
The Earl of Dunfermline to John Murray,
The Archbishop of St Andrews to John Murray, .
9 January, 447*
(no date), 321
18 „ 322
20 „ 448*
15 February, 323
324
3 March, 448*
26 April, 328
(no date), 329
7 June, 330
7 „ 451*
7 „ 451*
9 „ 332
13 „ 452*
14 „ 453*
21
453*
22 „ 333
(no date), 457*
24 „ 337
(no date), 340
23 „ 341
(no date), 343
24 „ 346
8 July, 348
8 „ 349
8 „ 350
ORIGINAL LETTERS
■RELATING TO -THE
ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS
OF SCOTLAND.
ORIGINAL LETTERS
RELATING TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS
O SCOTLAND.
I.— KING JAMES TO THE PRESBYTERY OF EDINBURGH.
[King James the Sixth succeeded to the throne of England, on the death of Queen
Elizabeth, 23d of March 1603. He left Edinburgh on the 5th of April, to take
possession of the Crown, and was accompanied with a numerous retinue, including
Patrick Galloway; tin* Minister of his Household, his colleague Andrew Lamb, and
David Lindsay, Minister of Leith, who was also titular Bishop of Ross. In his
harangue in the High Church of Edinburgh, on Sunday the 3d of April, the King
expressed his desire that " the Brethren should keep unity and peace," and " thanked
God, that he had settled both Kirk and Kingdom, and left them in that estate which
he intended not to hurt or alter anie wise, his subjects living in peace." — (Calder-
wood's History, vol. vi., p. 222.) — The following Extracts are from the Records of
the Presbytery of Edinburgh, which unfortunately are not preserved of a date sub-
sequent to May 1G03. The King's Letter has been preserved in having been inserted
at the end of the volume.
xxx" Marty 1C03.
Mr David Lyndsay haifing declarit that he with Mr Andro Lamb wer commandit
be his Majestic to repair with his Majestic to England, and thairfore craivit that the
Presbytrie wald haif sum care for provisioun of Leytli ; — The Prcsbytric thinkis meit
the Congregatioun to be advysit with, and ather to giwe lyt [leit] to the Presbytrie,
or to accept a lyt of the Presbytrie.
At Edinburgh, the 13 of Aprill 1603.
The quhilk day compeiiit some of the Sessioun of Loyth, schawing that thairTowne
was left destitut of Putouris, the one, to wit Mr Andro Lamb, being chosin be the
A
2 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1603.
Generall Assemblie to be the Kingis Minister ; the uther, Mr David Lyndisay, was
accompanying the Kingis Majestic tnwardis London : Thairfoir they desirit that
thair Towne mieht be providit. The Presbyterie considering tliair suit, thocht it
expedient, with thair awin advyse, that ane Visitatioun sould be to that effect, &c.
11 Maij 1603.
The Presbyterie of Hadingtoun having directit ane letter to this Presbyterie, re-
queisting the samyn, be reasoun of many incidentis, to appoynt a day for the Synodall
Assemblie ; — Tlie Presbyterie lies thocht guid, with the Moderator of the foirsaid
Assemblie, to appoynt the last Tysday of Maij of this instant 1603 for the Synodal
Assemblie to be haklin at Edinburgh, becaus the former Assemblie haldin at
Hadingtouu the first Tysday of Aprill 1603 was continewit be reasoun of the
Kingis Majesties present bygoing. At quhilk tyme, the Assemblie then mett, thocht
it expedient onlie to propone sum Petitiounis to his Majestie, and to continew
the Assemblie quhill the Moderator and Presbyterie of Edinburgh advertisit
thame.]
Truity and weilbelouittis, we great you hertlie wele. We haue
hard be letters from our Counfale, your willing teftificationis of your joy
of our Coronatioun, and your glaidnes of the continewanee of Godis mercye
towardis ws in difcoverie of fum vnnaturall practizes diuifed againit ws,
ffor the quhilk We can not omit to gif you thankis. And that ye may be
the bettir encouraged dalie to go fordward in Godis work, quhairof We
ar not vnmyndfull, howfoeuir We be abfcnt in perfoun, amang our
direction is fend to our Counfale thair We haue fpecialie commandit
thame to hald hand to Godis glorie, and the obeydience of your Difcip-
line. Thairfoir as ye haue occafionis, ye fall addres your felff and your
petitionis to thame, quha we hoip fchall gif you good fatiffactioun. We
haue fend hame all our particulair Initructionis, by fum of your awne
Brethrene, quhilk we hoip fchalbe fchortlie imparted vnto you : And
fo We bid you hertlie fairwele, from our honnour of Hamptoun, this
nynt day of Auguft 1603.
To our right truity and welbelouedes the Minif-
ters of the Prefbyterie of Edinbrough.
1604.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
II.— MR PATRICK GALLOWAY TO THE PRESBYTERY OF EDINBURGH.
[The following letter relates to the Conference at Hampton Court, in January 1604,
of which a separate account, as, " The Summe and Substance of the Conference,"
was published by Dr William Barlow, London, 1605, 4to. The Puritans, it may be
observed, complained of the unfairness of this report.]
Beloved Brethren,
After my very hearty commendations, thefe prefents are to fhow
you, that I received two of your letters ; one directed to his Majeftie,
another to myfelf, for the ufing thereof. The fame I read, clofed, and
three dayes before the Conference delivered it into his Majefties hands,
and received it back again, after fome fhort fpeeches had upon a word
of your letter, " as the grofs corruptions of this Church ; " which then was
exponed, and I affured, that all corruptions diffonant from the Word,
or contrare thereto, fhould be amended. The 12 of Januar was the day
of meeting ; at what time the Bifhops called upon be his Majeftie, wer
gravely defired to advife upon all the corruptions in this Church, in
doctrine, ceremonies, difcipline ; and, as they would anfwer to God in
confcience, and to his Majeftie upon their obedience, that they fhould
return the third day after, which was Saturday. They returned to his
Majeftie, and there appofed as of before, it was anfwered, all was well :
And when his Majeftie in great fervency brought inftances to the con-
trare, they, upon their knees, with great earneftnefs craved that nothing
fhould be altered, leaft the Papifts Recufants, punifhed be penal ftatuts
for their difobcdience, and the Puritans punifhed by deprivation from
calling and living, for nonconformity, fhould fay, they had juft caufe to
infult upon them, as men who had travelled to bind them to that which
now, by their own mouths, was confeffed to be erroneous. Always, after
five hours difput had be his Majeftie againft them, and his Majefties
refolution for reformation intimated to them, they were difmiffed that
day. Upon the 16 of Januar, being Munday, the Brethren were called
to his Majeftie, only five of them being prefent, and with them two
Bifhops, and fix or eight Deans. Here his Majeftie craved to know of
t ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1004.
them, what they defired to bo reformed. But it was very loufly anfwer-
ed, and coldly. This day ended after four dayes talking, and Wednef-
dav the 18 of Januar appointed for the meeting of both parties; where,
as of before, the parties called together, the heads were repeated, which
his Majeftie would have reformed at this time: and fo the whole action
ended. Sundrie as they favoured gave out coppies of things here con-
cluded ; where upon myfelf took occafion, as I was an ear and eye
witncfs, to fett them doun, and prefented them to his Majeiiie, who, with
his own hand mended fome things: and eeked other things which I had
omitted ; which corrected coppie with his own hand I have, and off it
I have fent you herein the juft tranffumpt, word be word : and this is
the whole. At my own returning, which God willing, mail be fhortly,
ye fhall know more particularly the reft. So, till then taking my leave,
I committ you to the protection of the Moft High, and your lab'ours to
the powerfull bleffing of Chrift, the author thereof. From London, this
10th of Februar [1004].
Your Brother in the Lord
to his uttermoft,
M. P. Galloway.
The caus of my delay to write, was my awaiting on his Majefties
leafure, to obtain that copy fpoken of before, corrected as it is, that fo I
might write, as it is allowed to ftand and be performed.
A NOTE OF SUCH THINGS AS SHALL BE REFORMED.
1. Of Doctrine.
1. That an uniform, ftiort, and plain Catechifm be made, to be ufed
in all Churches, and Parifhes of this Kingdom, and no other. There
is already the Doclrine of the Sacraments added in moft clear and
plaine terms.
1604.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 5
2. That a Tranflation be made of the whole Bible, as confonant as can
be to the original Hebrew and Greek ; and this to be let. out and printed
without any marginal notes, and only to be ufed in all Churches in Eng-
land in divine fervice.
3. That no Popifh or traitorous Books be fuffered to be brought in
this Kingdom ; and ftrait order to be taken, that if they come over,
they be delivered nor fold to none, either in the Country or< Univerfi-
ties, but fuch only as may make good ufe thereof, for the confutation of
the Adversaries. .,
2. Of the Service Hook.
1. That to the Abfolution, fhall be added the word of pronouncing the
Remiffion of fins.
i.'. That to the Confirmation, fhall be added the word of Catechifing,
or examination of the Children's faith.
3. That the privat Baptifm be called the Baptifm of the Minifters and
Curats only ; and all the queftions that infinuat women or privat per-
fons, to be altered accordingly-
4. That fuch Apocrypha as have any repugnance to Canonical Scrip-
ture fhall be removed, and not read ; and other places chofen for them,
which may ferve better either for explanation of Scripture, or inftruclion
in good life and manners, and fpeciallv, the greater! part of fuch places
as wot given in writ.
5. That words of Marriage be made more clear.
The Crofs in Baptifm was never counted anv part in Baptifm, nor fign
effective, but only fignificative.
3. Of Discipline.
1. That Bifhops are admonifhed to judge no Minifters, without the
advice of fome of the graveft Deans, and Chaplanes.
2. That none fhall have power to Excoinmunicat but only the Bifhops
in their Diocies, in the prefence of thefe forefaid, and only upon fuch
weighty and grave caufes to which they fhall fnbfcribe.
6 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1604.
3. That Chill Excommunication now ufed is declared to be a mere
civill ccnfure ; and therefore, the name of it is altered, and a writ out of
the Chancerie to punifh the contumacy fhall be framed.
4. That all Bifhops nominat to that effect, fhall fct doun the matters
and manner of proceeding to be followed hereafter in Ecclefiafticall
Courts, and modifie their fees.
5. That the oath ex officio be rightly ufed, id est, only for great, and
publick flanders.
6. That the Bifhops be carefull to caufe the Minifters note in every
Parifh of their Diocefe, the names of all Recufants ; alfo, the Karnes of
fuch as come to Church, and hear preaching, but refufe to communicat
every year once ; and to prefent the fame to the Bifhop, the Bifhop to
the Archbilhop, the Archbifhop to the King.
7. That the Sabbath be looked to, and keeped better, through all
Diocies.
8. That the High Commiffion be rightly ufed ; the caufes to be handled,
and the manner of proceeding therein to be declared ; and that no perfon
be nominated thereto, but fuch as are men of honour and good quality.
4. Of the Ministrie.
1. That the Reading Minifters that are of age, and not fcandalous, be
provided for, and maintained, be the perfon preferred to preach in his
room, according to the valour of the living ; and that the unlearned,
and fcandalous be tryed, and removed from thefe places, and learned
and qualified be placed for them.
2. That as many learned Minifters as may be had, with convenient
maintenance for them, may be placed in fuch places where there is a
want of preaching, with all hafte.
3. That learned and grave Minifters be tranfported where the
Gofpel is planted, and fettled to fuch parts of the Kingdom, where
the greateft ignorance is, and greateft number of Recufants are.
4. That Minifters, beneficed men, make refidence upon their bene-
fices, and feed their flock with preaching every Sabbath day.
5. That Pluralifts, and fuch as prefently have double benefices, make
1604.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 7
refidence upon one of them ; and that thefe their benefices be als near
each other, as he may preach to the people of both their week about ;
and where they are farther diftant, that he maintain therein a qualified
Preacher.
5. Of Schools.
1. That Schools in Cities, Touns, and Families, throughout all the
Kingdom, be taught be none but fuch as mail be tryed and proved to
be found and upright in Eeligion. And for that effect, that the Bifhops
in every one of their Diocies take order with them, difplacing the cor-
rupted, and placing the honefl and fufficient in their places.
2. That order be taken with Univerfities, for trying of Mailers and
Fellows of Colledges ; and that none be fuffered to have Cure in
inftructiug of youth, but fuch as are approved for their foundnefs in
Religion ; and fuch as are fufpe&ed, or known otherwife to be affe&ed,
to be removed.
3. That the Kingdom of Ireland, the Borders of England and Scot-
land, and all "Wales, be planted with Schools and Preachers, as foon as
may be.
The Minifters have this long tyme paft, and fhall be in all tyme coming,
urged to fubfcribe nothing but the three Articles, which are both clear
and reafonable.
Articles whereunto all such as are admitted to preach, read,
catechize, minister the sacraments, or to execute any other
ecclesiasticall function, doe agree and consent, and testify
THE SAME BE SUBSCRIPTION OF THEIR NAMES, AnNO 1583.
" 1. That his Majeftie under God hath, and ought to have, the Sove-
ranitie over all manner of perfons born within his Realmes, dominions,
and countries, of what eftaite either Ecclefiafticall or Temporall foever
they be ; and that none other Power, Prelat, State, or Potentat, bath,
or ought to have any jurifdi6tion, power, fuperiority, preeminence, or
8 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1604.
authority Ecelciialtieall or Spirituall within his Majefties faid Realmes,
Dominions, or Countries.
" 2. That the Booke of Common Prayer, and of ordaining of Bifhops,
Priefts, and Deacons, containes in it nothing contrair to the Word of
God ; and that the fame may be lawfully ufed ; and that I my felf who
doe fubferibe, will ufe the Forme of the faid Booke prefcribed in publick
prayer, and administration of the Sacraments, and none other.
" 3. That I allow the Booke of Articles of Religion agreed upon be the
Archbifhops and Bifhops of both the Provinces, and the whole Clergie,
in the Convocation holdcn at London, in the year of our Lord 1562,
and fet forth be authority ; and doe believe all the Articles therein con-
tained to be agreeable to the Word of God. In witnefs whereof I have
fubferibed my name." '
III.— MR JAMES DUNCANSON TO KING JAMES.
Please your Majeftie, gratiouflie to heare the complaint of the
Children of your Hienes old and faithfull fcrvant John Duncanfono, who
having ferved your Hienes from your Majefties infancie threttie and fex
1 Calderwood, who inserts the preceding Letter ami Articles, says, " This copie corrected
by the King is slender enough, yett diflerent from the Narrative extant in print. Mr James
Mi'lvill was at the Presbyterie of Edinburgh the last of Februar, when this Letter with
these Articles were presented and read. All others keeping silence, he craved two
things : First, that they would, as Christian and brotherlie compassion craved, be
grieved and tuiched with sorrow, with many godlie and learned Brethrein in our neigh-
bour countrie, who, having expected a Rcformatioun, are disappointed and heavilie
greeved ; and if no other way could be found for helpe, that they would at the least
helpe by their prayers to God, for their comfort and reliefe. Nixt, that seeing the
Presbyterie of Edinburgh had ever bene as the Sion and watche-towre of our Kirk, and
the .Ministers thereof the cheefe watchemen, that they would watche and take heed that
no perrell or contagioun come for our neighbour Kirk ; and give warning, in oaice there
be occasioun, to the Presbytereis throughout the countrie; and namelie, that they take
heed at this Parliament, which is indicted by proclamations and intended for Unioun of
the two Realmes." — (History of the Kirk, vol. vi., p. 246.)
1604.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 9
yeares,1 and died in your Majefties favour, hes notwithstanding left us
his children in great penurie, partlie be reafon that his {Upend wes not
payed to him many yeares before his death ; which as yet, for want of
moyan and favour in Seffion, we his Children can not obteyne ; as alio
that the precepts which your Majeftie, of your Hienes princelie liberalise,
directed in his favour hes not bene anfwered, as in fpeciall your Majeftie
gave him not long before his death a precept of two thoufand fyve hun-
dreth lib: Scottes, which here we have to fhew, bot our Father not
having reffaved it in his tyme, wes forced to leave it in legacie to his
children, neither have we as yet obteyned it, whereby we are left in
greater pouertie then the children of ony that ferued your Hienes, from
your Majefties craddle, as our Father did. And therefore moft humblie
prayes your Majeftie to give commandement that the laft precept
gevin by your Majeftie to our Father may be maid good to the vse
of his children, without any long protract of tyme, together with ony
further companion it may pleafe your Princelie liberalise to beftow
upon vs.
Your Hienes claylie Orator,
MB James Duncanson.
1 John Duxcaxsox was admitted Principal of St Leonard's College, St Andrews, in
1553. He resigned this office in 15GG, after the birth of King James, having then been
chosen Minister of Stirling and of the King's Household. John Duncanson continued to
the close of his life to be styled Minister of the Chapell Royall, or the King's House.
En May 1601, the King declared to the General Assembly " his intention and desyre
to have a Minister for his Hienes' house, in respect of the deeeue of Mr John Craig,
and John Duncansone's old age." The latter, according to his Confirmed Testament,
died on the 4th of October 1601.
Margaret Kenyow, his relict spouse, and the above Mr James Duncanson his son,
were nominated conjunct executors. It appears, from the same authority, that hi>
other " bairnes, unprovidet for," were William, Walter, and Marioun. The chief portion
of "his geir" consisted of arrears of stipend. To this daughter Marioun he bequeathed
" his liaill buikis." " Mr Alexander Home, Minister at Logic, and Marioun Duncansone,
dochter of John Duncansone Minister to the Kingis Majestie, his spous," are named in a
deed 30th May 1605 (M'Crie's Life of Melville, vol. ii., p. 504.) The above Supplica-
tion, which has no date, may be referred to the year 1604.
6
10 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
IV SIR ALEXANDER STRATOUN OF LAURESTOUN, HIS MAJESTEIS
COMMISSIONER, TO KING JAMES.
Sib,
May it pleis your moll excellent Sacred Maieftie : I hawe bene
larncft fince my hamecuming to obtemper your Maiefties directions con-
credit vnto me. And tbe Commiffionaris of the Kirk being convenit be
ine, for the maift part hes gewin thair concurrance in all thingis maift
willinglie. The particulars I hawe writtin to my Lord Balmerinoch.
And the berar, Mr James Law, can at large inform your Maieftie, a man
quha wereis not with any trawell that may tend to your Maiefteis fervice,
as your Maieftie hes had a princelie confideratioun of him. Witting to
your Maieftie a long, happie, and a profperoufs regnne, humble takis my
lewe. Edinburgh, the 19 of January, 1605.
Your Maiefteis maift humble obedient
fubjecl; and feruitour,
A. Stbaton1 of Laurenltowne.
To the Kingis moft excellent
Sacred Maieftie.
V THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE KIRK TO KING JAMES.
Sib,
Pleis your Majeftie, we hawe thocht it our dewtie in all humble
fort to rander thankis to your Hienes alsweill for that gcnerall care your
Majeftie hes had of your awin Kirk in thir North partis, as for that
honorable remembrance it has plefit your Hienes to hawe particularly of
ws, And feing we hawe na uther meanis, we promeis on our partis all
1 In the original the name appears as if written " J. Strato."
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 11
diligens and thankfull fervice to your Majeftie in every thing that
belangis our charge ; for we will prefer your Majefteis pleafour and com-
raandenient to all earthlie thingis. We ar farther to entreat your
Majeftie in a particular tuitching the preferment of our brother Mr
James Nicolfone, quhome your Majeftie underftandis to be a man fuffi-
cientlie qualefeit for ony publict place in the Kirk, That feing the
Bifhoprik of Dunkell is poffeft be ane ' that hes na public!; function in
our Kirk, and that the rentes thairof will nocht presentlie excede the
foum of four hundreth merkis Scottis, be reafone of difpofitions made be
the prefent Titular that can nocht be remedeit in his tyme, your Ma-
jeftie will be pleafit out of that good affeclione quhilk your Hienes beiris
to the reftoring of the Eftate of our Kirk, to caus fum wyfe and difcreit
man deall with the poffeffour of the faid benefice for his dimiffioun
thairof in favouris of the faid Mr James, and that he may hawe fum
confideration thairfore of your Majeftie, quhilk we ar affured fall advance
the wark that is prefentlie in hand, and give your Majeftie greit content-
ment in the courfe of your publict efiairis. This far we ar bald with
your Majeftie : And for the prefent we humblie tak our lewe, praying
God for your Majefteis long lyf and profperous regnne.
Edinburgh, the 19 of Januarij
1605.
Your Majefteis humble obedient
fubjectis and fervitouris,
Glasgow.
Pateik Sharpe.
Andro Knox.
Andro Boyd.
Mr Kichard Thomsone, in name of the
reft of the Commifiloneris.
To his Majeftie.
1 Mr Peter Eollok, titular Bishop of Dunkeld, and one of the Extraordinary Lords of
Session. See a subsequent letter on this subject addressed by him to King James.
12 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
VI.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW1 TO KING JAMES.
Bibb,
The laying prufis trew in me : he qho once paflis the boundis
of modeftie is ever afterwardis impudent. Your Maiefties gratioufe
acceptance of my fonner indevors hes maid me fo confident as I fpair
not to fay and wryt any thing that I judge for your Hienes fervice.
Qhat courfe I haif kepte and qhat fucceffe I haif fund in my entrie
wilbe declarit be the berar vnto your Maieftie, for he wes ane eye wit-
neffe to all that wes done. Sir, I wil reioyce in no Earthlie thing, faif
your favour, and yit I truft your Maieftie wil beare with me to fay that
quhich wes : My cumming brocht fuche contentment to al fortis of
peple, that in the partis qhair my fervice lyis, nothing wes heard but
prayers for your Maieftie and gratulationis of the worke intendit. The
Miniftrie, althocht earneftlie folliftit to mak oppofitioun, profeffit thay
wald gif obedience to your Maieftie, and conform tham felfis to the
ordinancis of the Kirk ; qhairin every one of that number hes merit his
own commendatioun ; but the Principal of the Colledge 2 by al the reft,
qho is the man that in effedi hes kepit al others faft and conftant to
your Maiefties purpofe. And yit, Sir, left I fuld want matter of exer-
cife, thai begin in this Citie, by privat counfels and publick fpechis in
pulpit, to do qhat thai can for my difgrace, and wil nedis, becaufe I
haif toppit this matter (for fo thai fpeik), bend al thair forcis againft me.
Sire, I fear not that enemy in fo gud a caufe, fpeciallie qhair your
Maiefties authoritie and Royall power is affifting ; 3 but I wryt this to
1 Mr John Spottiswood. 2 Mr Patrick Sharpe.
3 " 1G05, August 21 Mr Johnne Spottiswood, Bischop of Glasgow. — The Moderator
and bretlierene of the Presbiteric of Glasgw, heirand the propositioun maid to thame be
thair brother Mr Johne Spottiswood Bischop of Glasgow, quhairin he schawis that he is
sone heirefter, God willing, to pas to his Majestic towardis the Southe partis of Greit
Brittanc, and that he cravis thair licence, seing for a tyme he will be absent fra his
flok : The said Moderator and Bretlierene grants to the said Mr Johnne licence to pas to
his Maiestie sone heirefter, anent the effaires of the Kirk.
" A. id quhair also the said Mr Johnne cravis a testimoniall fra the said Presbiterie, to
be subscryvit be thame, that he hes not as yit subscryvit the Admissioun past in his
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 13
bald your Hienes. in mynd of the general bufines, quhilk being perfe&it,
fal gif a conclufioun to thir and fuchlyk broyles. I haif prefumit to gif
the berar fum inftructiouns to be communicat to your Maieftie tuiching
our materis, quhilk I truft your Hienes fal favorablie interpret ; and if in
your wifdome thai falbe fund meit, your Maieftie will haif care to fe
tham profecute. Mean qhyll, Sir, gif me leave to remember Mr Jhon
Hall his fervice and faythfulnes to your Maieftie, qho fichtis heir with
many difcontentments, offerit cheiflie to him be his collegis. I haif
affurit him many tymis, of your Maiefties favore : in his particular,
quhilk the berar is to- fute, your Hienes wilbe plefit to gif him ane
teftimonie of your gudwill. As to the berar him felfe,1 I can adde
nothing to the commendatioun your Maieftie hes fo often gifin him,
but this onlie, that the other fyd ar lamenting his defe6tioun ; and this
I mentioun to gif your Maieftie fum fporte. Now, Sir, crating humble
pardon of your Maieftie for this my prefuming, I tak my leave.
Your Maiefties humble and vowit
fervant to his deathe,
Glasgow.
Edinburgb, the 23 of Januar, 1005.
To his moft facred Maieftie.
[28 Jan. 1005.— Sp[ottifwood] B. of Glafcow
ftiawes that he was received B. at Glafcow
with great applaufs, albeit fum contradic-
tione, and Mr Johne Hall's faithfull fervyce
to the King.]
favouris to the Bishoprik of Glasgw, The said Moderator and Bretherene grantis that a
testiuioniall be writtin aud subscryvit be thame, to be delyverit to the said Mr Jolinne,
quharin thai may testifie that the said Mr Johnne hes not as yit subscryvit the said ad-
missioun, past be the last Synodall Assemblie in his favouris to the said Bishoprik of
Glasgw," &c. — (Extracts from the Registers of the Presbytery of Glasgow, in the Mait-
land Miscellany, vol. i., p. 405.)
1 Apparently Mr James Law (see supra, page 10). He was promoted at this time
to the See of Orkney.
14 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
VII.— THE MEMBERS OF THE PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY AT ABERDEEN
TO KING JAMES.
It may pleas your sacred Majestie,
The gryt neceffitio off our effairis in generall, and off the parti-
cular dealing wee haue this lang tyme haid with the Marques off
Huntlie,1 does enforce ws, in all reuerence and humbill fubnriflioun, to
acquaint your Majeftie with all our proceidingis and prefent difficulties,
quhairwith wee ar ftraitit ; and that be ane off our awin number, our
loving brother, Mr Jlione Forbes, off quhome, baith for his fidelitie and
vprichtnes, and for his fmcere affedtioun borne to the advancement off
the kingdomc of God, your Majefteis feruice, and peace off the land,
wee haue maid fpcciall choife ; and haue authorifit him with owr com-
miffioun toward your Hienes, befeiking your Majeftie in all humbill and
hartlie affeclioun to grant him your Majefteis gratefull acceptance and
favorabill countenance, with ane indifferent eare, in his delyverie off
fuche thingis to your Majeftie as we haue committed to his credit ;
trufting fo far to the conftant affurance quhilk our hartis does ftill brook
off your Majefteis vnchangeabill ftedfaftnes and continuance in yowr
Hienes godlie zeall and fordwart affeclioun, ever hitherto borne, and at
all tymes clearlie manifeftit, to the maintenance and promoving off the
licht and libertie off the gofpell of Jefus Chrift, not onlie in the mater
off doctrine, hot alfo in the ordour off gouernement and difcipline theirin
manifeftit ; that gif your Majeftie graunt him audience but prejudice,
hee fall giwe your Majeftie ane full contentment of all proceidingis, and
fall obtein at your Majefteis handis ane gratiows anfwer to all owr hum-
bill and lawfull defyres ; all tending to the glorie off God, advancement
of yowr Hienes honor, and forder quyeting of yowr Majefteis fubjeftis ;
the report quhairof, committing to the fufficiencie of owr Commiffionar
1 George sixth Earl, and first Marquess of Huntly. A letter addressed by him to the
King, on the 20th November 1604, relating to the proceedings of the Aberdeen Pres-
bytery against him, is printed in the volume of " Letters and State Papers of the Reign of
King James the Sixth," Edinb. 1838, 4to.
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 15
forfaid, in Hi reuerence, fubmiffioun and humilitie off owr hartis, wee
tack our leaue, befeeking God to graunt vnto yowr Majeftie long and
profperous reigne. From our Affemblie at Aberdein the tuentie ane
day of Februar ane tbowfand fex hundreth and fyve zeiris.
Your Majefties humbill fubje&is,
A. Blakburn. P. Blakburne.
Chatrlis Ferm. M. David Rait,
Ad. Burnet. Moderator.
MB. Robert Reid, G. Hay.
Scryb to the Provinciall MR. James Ross.
Affemblie of Aberdein.
M. James Guthre, Moderatour of the Provinciall Affemblie of Murray.
George Dovglas, ane of the Commiffioneris of Murray.
J. Dundass, Commiffionar for Murray.
To the King his moft excellent Majeftie.
VIII.— SIR ALEXANDER STRATOUN OF LAURESTOUN TO KING JAMES.
Sik,
May it pleis your moft excellent Maieftie : According to your
Maiefties command, I affemblit the Commiffioneris, with quhome I
haue brocht all your Maiefties dire&iounes to ane gud end. Speciallie
the aclioun intendit aganis Mr Robert Bruce is ordourlie deducet, and
efter great paines and meakill heiring, reffauit fentence conforme to the
fummondis raifit aganis him, he decernit diffobedient, difchargit frome
the Miniftrie of Edinburgh, and his place declarit wacant. In this caus
I behovit nocht onlie to be ane yden folicitar of the Judges : but alfua
comperit as ane accufar to mak the judgment formall ; and thairfoir
haue incurrit of the Puritanes infupportabill malice. For informeing of
your Maieftie in the particularis of this dyet, and for obtening health at
16 ORIGINAL LETTEES RELATING [1605.
the baignes, I am to repair, God willing, fchortlie to your Maiefties raoft
gratious prefence : At quliilk tyme I fall geve account of my feruice,
hoiping (for ocht I knaw) of guid acceptance, baith in refpect of affec-
tionat panes, and guid fucces. Sua wifcbeing your Maieftie ane lang,
happie, and profperous Eegnne, humblie takis my leve. Edinburgh, the
fourt of Marche 1605.
Your Maiefties maift humble obedient
fobjecl; and feruitour,
Laukenstowne.
To the Kingis moft excellent
facred Maieftie.
IX.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW TO KING JAMES.
Sire,
Pleis your Maieftie, I am forcit to tak the opportunitie of this
berar, and complein of the miforder that is in thir pulpites of Edin-
burgh. Qhairas your Maieftie gaif command, that til the vacant
rowmis wer plantit, fupplie fold be maid be fuche as the Commiffionaris
wald name, this hes ben caft of vnadvyfitlie vpon the Minifters tham
felfis, and thai inioynit to fuffer none enter thair rowmis but fuche as
thai wald anfwer for. Yit, Sir, it is fallen out fo, that be the Prefbiteries
appointing of thair number one after another to thofe placis, we haif heir
daylie invediivis maid againfl Sifchopis, that Jiate, and ws direStlie qho
haif inter pryjit that Jervice ; and nothing is left vndone that can work a
difgrace or contempte to this worke ivithe the peple. Nether laws of
Affemblies nor intimatioun of your Maiefties difplefure, nor our innocent
and vpricht procedingis, can worke ws peace at thair handis. Your Ma-
ieftie heirfore wilbe plefit to wryt to the Commiffionaris and command
tham to tak prefent order heirwith, and, failzeing thai do thair dewties,
to the Counfel to fie to it ; for the example will do muche hurte, if in
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 17
the beginning thir thingis be not repreffit. I haif writtin to the Lard of
Lowriftoun to conven the Commiflionaris for this purpofe vpon the tent of
Apryl nexte. It fal do muche gud to haif your Maiefties letteris againft
that dyet, and to caufe my Lord Prefident prefent the fam, with ane
declaratioun of your Maiefties wil in thofe thingis. Thus far I am bold
with your Maieftie, out of that care that I haif to advance your Highnes
fervice : And now killing your Maiefties handis, with al reverence, I tak
my leave.
Your Maiefties humble and
obedient fervant,
Glasgow.
Edinburgh, the 22 of Marche, 1605.
To his moft excellent Maieftie.
X.— SIR ALEXANDER STRATOUN OF LAITRESTOUN TO KING JAMES.
Sir,
Pleis your moft excellent facrat Maieftie : Of lait I acquentit your
Maieftie anent the proceding of the Sinod of Fyff, fpecialie thair purpofs
of keping ane General Affemblie at Aberdein the fyft of Julij nixt ; for
preventing of quhilk attemp, the Commiflioneris and I haif declarit your
Maiefties plefour heirin, and haif requyrit, yea commandit tham and al
other Sinodis in North Britane, to forbeir ony fik meting. Yet informit
they meane nocht to ceafs, hes takin refolutioune to avait on that day
and place, to refift thair meting with authoritie if they mint thairto. The
Towne of Edinburght (vith quhom I haif bitterlie conteftit) of new hes
gevin in leitis, the moft pairt inclynis to haif Mr Patrik Galloway to
fupplie that vacant place in thair Kirk (ilk yeir producis new effectis) ;
but fence that matter is yet in deliberatione, the Bifchop of Galloway,
quha with diligence is to repair to your Maieftie, in that and al other
particularis concerning the Kirk, vil gif your Maieftie cleir relatione.
c
18 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
Wifling your Maieftie long, hapie, and profperous rainge, I humlie kifs
your Hlenes handis.
Your Maiefties moil humble obedient
fubject and fervitour,
Lauren stoitne.
Edinburght, ij of Maij 1605.
To the Kingis moft excellent
Sacred Maieftie.
XI.— THE BISHOP OF MUERAY TO KING JAMES.
Sir,
It may pleafe your maift facred Maieftie : I haiff delyvered your
Hienes letters to my Lordis Chancelar and Prefident, anent thair dealing
with my Lord Spynie tuiching his fatiffadlioun for his infeftment of the
few mailes and cuftomes off the Bifchoprik of Murraye. Thair wes na
occafioun of meiting betuix thame and him till now. I am attendand
upoun a conference betuix thame within thir tua dayes, efter the quhilk
your Maieftie falbe advertent with convenient diligence. And quhat is
neidfull to be done in the meane tyme for furthering of that mater, I
hawe referred to be declared to your Maieftye be the Bifchopp of Gallo-
waye. To his fufficiencie tharefor remitting, I humillye tak my leiff,
continuing my earnift prayaris for the daylie increfce and continu-
ance of your Maiefteis maift happie and bleffed eftate in faull and
bodye.
Your Majefteis maift humill fervitour
and daylie Oratour,
Alexander Dowglass.
Edinburgh, the nynteint daye
off Junij 1605.
To his moift facred Maieftie.
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 19
XII.— ME ROBEKT BRUCE, MINISTER OF EDINBURGH, TO KING JAMES.
[The two following letters from Mr Robert Bruce have no date, and may belong to
a later period. They are here introduced in connection with the Charge of the
Privy Council in Scotland, in August 1605, copied from some fragments of a miss-
ing volume of the Records lately discovered. The long-continued persecution of
Bruce, on account of the sentiments he expressed in regard to the Gowrye Con-
spiracy, will elsewhere be alluded to.
Instructiounes for his Majesties Commissioners direct to Mr Robert Bruce.
[January 1602.]
" Quhidder he be throuchlie resolvit now, of the forme and maner of the tresonabill
attempt commitit aganes his Majesty at Perth ; and speciallie of his Majesties honest
mynd, intentioune, and mervelus delyverie ; and off Gowrie and his Brother's wyld
and bludie Conspiracie, intendit to the taking away of his Majesties lyff ; as it is sett
downe in the Prince's book thairanent, or nocht 1
" As his doubting of that turne hes bene the principall cause of thedoubt of mony
and of his Hienes sklandir in that point, gif he be willing to uttir in pulpit, in sic
placis as salbe appoyntit, his Resolutioune thairin, according to the forme of the
saidis Articles, as cleirlie, as ony of his Majesties guid subjectis hes done ; craving
pardone, and excussing his lang incredulitie, and the sklandir arysing thairupone ;
and abusing the pepill that ony way doubtit thairof, as they were ever reddie to
conceive doubtis vpoune onjust groundis, onlie movit be his exempell, sa now to be
content be his meanes, rychttlie to be resolvit theirof.
(Sic svhscribitur) " James Rex."
Charge aganis Mr Robert Bruce.
Aptul Edinburgh, Octavo die mensis Augusti 1605.
" Forsameklo as albeit the moist detestable and horrible treasoun conspyrit be the
traytour Gowry and his Brother aganis the sacred persone of oure moist gratious
Souerayne, be ouident and manifest to the conscienceis of all his Maiesteis guid sub-
iectis, and that his Maiestie hes gevin moist cleir testimoneis for removeing of dis-
trust of all these quha by curiositie, privat affectioun, or prepoisterous opinionis, wer
caryed and led in that mater, neuirtheles Maister Robert Bruce, minister, appre-
hending a maist sinister distrust and opinioun of his Maiestics sinceritie in that
mater, notwithstanding of all the euidenceis quhilkis in reasoun mycht haue gevin
vnto him contentment thairin, he hes continewalie sensyne not onlie remanit constant
and resolute in his distrust, bot be his behaviour and conferrenceis in privat and
publict meitingis and assembleis, he vtteris and publictlie avowis his said distrust,
20 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
drawing thairby raony simple and ignorant personis to harkin vnto him, and in
some measour to fauoure his opinioun : ffor the quhilk he being moist iustlie and wor-
thelie banischit this Realme, and found vnworthic of the ayre of his native countrey ;
yit oure moist gratious Souerayne, quha in his actionis, especialie with these of the
Ministerie, hes euir kythit himselff a moist clement and mercifull Prince, seiking
rathir by fair and gentill meanis to move thame to be conformable, then be exeeu-
tioim of the law to pvnische thair offences, Recallit him [hame] that at lenth he
sould haue acknawlegit his errour, [and] gevin vnto his Maicstie satisfactioun : And
now his Majestie [persa]ving cleirlie that nathir proces of tyme nor na vther [thing]
can move the said Mr Robert to frame his opinionis [to the] treuth, and to procure
his Maiesteis obedience, Bot that he intertenyis a maist frequent resorte alswele of
nomberis of the Ministerie as of vther people towardis him, and in all thair meit-
tingis mellis in the effairis of his Maiestie and his Estate, sometyme discourseing
vpoun the proceidingis of his Maiesteis Counsale, and sometymes censuring the
doingis of the Ministerie, foistering thairby factionis and divisioun in the Kirk, and
privat grudgeis and miscontentment aganis the present Gouernament, His Maiestie
thairfore hes moist iust caus to tak ordoure with him, and to exyle him the haill
boundis of his Maiesteis dominionis. And yit his Sacred Maiestie following his
accustumat dispositioun and inclinatioun, quhilk hes euir tendit to pitye and not to
punische : And abstening fra that rigour and extremitie quhilk the said Mr Robert
maist worthelie merites, and nevirtheles willing to remoue the occasioun quhairby
he may pervert sic of his Maiesteis subiectis as repairis to him, his Maiestie hes
commandit that he be wairdit within the burgh of Innernes, quhill it sail pleis his
Maiestie to gif forder directioun towardis him, according as he sail find his
behauiour : Thairfore the Lordis of Secrite Counsale, Ordainis letters to be direct,
chairgeing the said Mr Robert Bruce to pas and entir his persone in waird within
the said burgh of Innernes, thair to remaine vpoun his awne expensses, ay and quhill
he be fred and relevit be his Majestie and his Counsale, within Ten dayis next eftir
the Chairge, vndir the pain of rebellioun, &e. : And gif he failzie, to denunce."]
Pleas your Maiestie,
Wpon the dire&ione fend to me by your Hienes Confell, I
thoucht it meitt, be my awin letter, to teftifie my refolutione to your
Maieftie in that mater of Gowrie. Your Maieftie cannot be ignorant in
quhatt tennes I paffit my Refolutioun att SancT; Jonftoun. That refolu-
tioun is as yitt extant,1 fubferywitt be monie honeft vitneffes. To that
1 The following is a copy of the Resolution op Mr Robekt Bruce, dated at St
Johnston or Perth, in June 1602 : —
" At Perth, 20th June 1602. Further, concerning the heads within contained, I am
resolved of his Majesty's innocency, and of the guiltiness of the Earl of Gowrie and his
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 21
refolutioun, both in inater and maner, I adhear, and fra it I am nott
myndit to pafs, be God his grace. This refolutioun gaue your Maieftie
perfytt contentment than, and I doubt nott bott it vill do the lyk
yitt. So luiking that your Maiefteis fcruiple falbe fullie fatiffied in that
mater, I reft,
Your Maieftie his moft humble
and obedient fubject,
M. Robert Bruce.
To his Maieftie.
XHL— ME ROBERT BRUCE TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
Pleas your Honoris,
I receawed your letteris on Setterday the 13th of this inftant,
and for fatiffacUoune thairoff I hawe directed my letter conteining my
avin Refolutioun in that mater vnto his Majeftie. My refolutioun nov
is relatiwe to my refolutioun att Sancl; Jonftoun, quhilk vas dyttit by
his Maiefties felff, and fubfcrywet by monie honeft vitneffes befyd me,
quha ar yitt liwing. This Refolutioun gawe his Maieftie perfyt content-
ment then, and I doubt nott bot it will do the lyk yitt : for unto thatt
Refolutioun I adheir, both in matter and maner. And I am readdie to
teftifie the fame, fo oft as his Maieftie pleafes, by my awin hand vreitt.
Sa luiking that your Honoris fall not be forder trublit in that mater,
I reft,
Your Honouris to be commandit
to his povar in God,
MB. Robert Bruce.
To his Maiefties moft honorable
Priuie Cornell.
Brother, according as it is declared by the Act of Parliament [15 November 1600] : And
therefore acknowledge the great mercy of God towards his Majesty, whole Kirk, and
Country, in his Majesties deliverance ; for the quhilk, I thank God from my heart.
(Sic tvbscribitur) " Mr Robert Bruce."
22 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
XIV MR JOHN HALL, MINISTER OF EDINBURGH, TO KING JAMES.
SlB,
Pleis your Majeftie, the rare and ftrange accidents of this late
tyme hes muche affected the hartis of your people heir, for weying your
Hienes danger, and therwith depelie confidering quhat could be the cafe
of the haill countrey, lyfis of all, and religioun, if God did permit your
Royall State to the pleafure of your enemies, hes confavit fuch folicitud
for your Majeftie, that the prayers of the people, priuat and publict,
never ceaflis for your Majeftie to God, and the glaidnes of your Hienes
preferuatioun hes fet your Majeftie verie depe in the hartis of all, quha
now loueis your Majeftie not onlie as their naturall and gracious King,
bot alfo as the onlie Prince in this adge, in whofc hart is featted wifdome
and religioun, whofe lyfe is dear to God, preferred to the gude of his
Kirk bayth at hame and far of. One point of honour your Majeftie lies
acquired, that the Antichryft, the enemie of God, hes oppinlie fet his ey
on yow, as his greiteft adverfarie in the earth ; bot this is ane uther
point of greiter worth, that God in his wonderfull delyuerance ' hath
made a fchaw of your Majeftie as his Angular freind, and a Prince thocht
worthie be whofe hand the Antichryft fuld be brocht doun, and his
crownes caft underfoot ; for this muft be done, and Who is to do it ?
God fent Mofes againft Egypt, Jofua againft Canaan, and Conftantine
of Britane blood againft Gentill Idolatrie. The fame God hes King
James to fet againft the Popedome. God giwe your Majeftie comfort
and ftrenth in thir affaultis, for we truft to God that all thir cruell
plottis fall prefent vnto your Royall thochtis no thing elfe bot a refolu-
tioun to manteyne God his treuth, and to ouerthrow that tyrannie
wherby foullis ar fpoilled, and the lyfis of gude princis alwayis in-
perelled.
Amidft thir wechtie effairis I muft craue leaue of your Majeftie to
fpeik fumthing of our effairis at home. The Kirk of Edinburgh wald
be fuppleit with fum men of note and approved feruice. We haue
1 From " the Gunpowder Plot," on the 5th of November IGOo.
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 23
thocht vpon Mr Patrik Galloway, your Majefties Minifter, now vacand fra
the employment of your feruice. The Confall and Kirk of Edinburgh
hes bene earneft with him to fupport them for a feafon, meaning alfo to
draw on his plantatioun for ane ordinarie pallor heirefter : he hes referrit
his anfuer therein to your Majefteis direction. His being heir will put
the people to fum quyetnes, the pulpet to better edificatioun, and the
haill Kirk of this country micht the better be kepit fra idle confaittis,
and unneceflarie work. I truft your Majeftie will confider of it. It wer
great pleafour to ws, if a letter [should be sent] bering your Hienes
dire&ioun and charge to Mr Patrik theranent; alfo a letter wold be
directed to my Lord Chancellour Proveft of Edinburgh,1 that he micht
deall with all handis, boith the Town and Mr Patrik, for inbringing of
him hither, and for his plantatioun when occafion feruis ; a thrid let-
ter of your Majefteis wald be diredtit ordaning the Commiffionaris of the
Generall Affemblie to meit and interpone the credit of ther office in
this mater, and vtheris your Maieftie hes ado. Your Hienes charge
wold be to them to appoint Mr Patrik for a feafoun to Edinburgh, with
your Maiefteis good will and defyre that they fuld plant him Minifter
ther,3 fo fone as the Town craues it of them. Wifching with my hart
and daylie prayer your Maiefteis long lyfe, happie regnne, and God
his perpetuall favour and his defence, humblie takis my leave. 2 De-
cember 1605.
Your moil excellent Majefteis
rycht humble fubject,
Johne Hall, Minifter
at Edinburgh.
To the Kingis moft excellent
Majeftie.
1 Alexander Earl of Dunfermline, Lord Chancellor, when Lord Fyvie, and President
of the Court of Session, was elected Provost of Edinburgh, in 1598, and he continued to
hold that office for ten years successively.
s This accordingly took place, in June 1607. (Calderwood's Hist., vol. vi. p. 667.)
See his own letter to the King, dated 7th April 1607.
24 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
XV.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW TO KING JAMES.
Pleas your most sacred Maxestie,
I wes in the way towardis your Hienes,1 qhen it wes my gud
happe to meit my Lord the Erie of Dumbar, qho requyrit me to flay a
qhyl, vpoun ane opinioun his Lordfhip lies, that my fervice heir at this
tym may be ftedable. I yeldit willinglie, as hating no other defyr but
to do your Maieftie fervice, qhairevir, at home or abroad. Amongeft
vther thingis, I wes to haif menit to your Hienes the grit preiudice that
is done to our Kirk effairis be this detening of the Minifteris in ward,
the burthen thairof being caft vpon ws, of purpofe to mak your Maief-
ties defigne in the erecting of Bifchops the more hatit, and other difcon-
tentit fpritis ferving tham with this as a ground to worke fum
vnquyetnes in the State. This, Sir, I impute only to the negle6te
of your Maiefties directiouns gifin in that mater, qhiles we wer
togither at Courte, the fufpicioun of qhilk neglect I perfaifit your
Maieftie had even at that tym. But qhat lies ben your Hienes gud
plefure fince the vfing of thair Declinatour, I never vnderftud til my
Lord his cumming hither, faif that a brute went of the calling tham
before the Juftice ; and none wil deny that is found myndit, but thai
haif merit a more hard dealing, yit as matteris are now handlit, and the
peple difpofit, any man feis it fal not go for your Maiefties honour and
contentment. Thairfore, Sir, out of a Jincere affe&ion to your Hienes,
am I bold, in maifl humble wyfe, to entreat your Maiejlie, that it may be
your gracioufe plefure to fuperfed that bujines, and renew onlie your
Maiefties firjl commandementis, that Jo many as Jland objlinatlie at the
defence of thair procedingis, may, by Jentenee of Counfel, be exylit your
Maieflies countrey, and otheris that wil acknowledge thair erroris, may
be confynit within thair parochis during your Hienes gud plefure?
Quhilk opinioun, if it fal pleife your moft excellent Maieftie in your
wifdome to approve, than, Sir, let me defyre this farder, that the fam
: See note supra, page 12. 2 This sentence interlined in the original.
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 25
may be done during the Erie of Dumbar his rending heir, or els, I am of
opinioun, your Maieftie fal never fee it concludit. This, and many other
thingis, Sir, ar done of mere policie, to difapoint your Maiefties effairis
in the Parliament, fpeciallie that concerne our Eftait. But if it pleife
God, your Maieftie fal haif, or it be long, a more particular narratioun of
thingis, and affurance fufficient, as I hope, for ane happie fucceffe of
that fervice that is fo gritlie oppofit vnto. Mean qhyl, Sir, I muft alfo
fignifie to your Maieftie the invaliditie of the renunciatioun maid be the
Duke of Lennox of the Bifhoprick of Glafgo, that the famin may be
renewit, and to that effect, your Hienes wilbe plefit to continew that
particular defignatioun of landis, qhilk his Lordfhip is futing prefentlie
to my cuming vp, that your Maieftie may haif the fecuritie that is
requyrit, feing his fatiffa&ioun is fo great.
As for fum particular iniuries offerit me, quhilk it hes plefit my Lord
of Dumbar to mentioun in his letter to your Maieftie, I wil not repeat
tham, and I truft be his Lordfhips meanis to be reparit. For this tym
I ceafe, crafing your Maiefties humble pardon for this my importunitie,
and praying God Almychtie to bleffe your Hienes with a longe and
happie regne.
Your Maiefties molt humble and
obedient fervitor,
Glasgow.1
Edinburgh the 26 of December
1605.
To his moft facred Maieftie.
XVI.— KING JAMES TO MR JOHN CAULDCLEUCH.
[There are two previous missives, addressed by the King to Cauldeleuch, in Balfour's
MSS. (A. 2, .52, Nos. 4 and 5). The one dated the 14th August 1600, commands
1 Indorsed, — " 26 December 1605 Sp. B. of Glascow shawes how he wold have the
ininisteris that keeped the Assembly of Abirdeen 160.5 crossed ; and of the Duke of Lenox
dimissione of the Bishoprik of Glaseow."
I)
26 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
him to be present at the meeting at Falkland, on the 20th of that month, " for
your best advise and opinioun to be had, anent the planting of the Kirkis of Edin-
burgh ; the forme and manner of the universall thankis and prayse that salbc gevin
to God in every congregatioun and kirk within this Realme, for Our miraculous
delyuerie of that treasonabill Conspiracy intendit laitlie aganis ws at Saint Johnstone
be umquhile Johnne Erll of Gowrie, the Master his broder, and thair associattis ; and
for your advisse to be gevin in sic uther our great and wechtie effairis, as salbe parti-
cularlie impartit to you at your cuming."
Tlie second letter addressed to Cauldcleuch is dnted the 16th January 1601, and
desires him to be present at a meeting of the Commissioners of the Kirk, on the 10th
February, at Holyroodhouse, " to gif your best advyise anent the withstanding and
dissapoynting of the practizes of the ennymeis of the trew religioun ; and for ordour
taking anent settling of the Ministerie of Edinburgh, as sail be thocht expedient."
In 1599, Cauldcleuch, who had been third Master or Professor of Ecclesiastical
History in the New College, St Andrews, was translated to Abdie, in Fife. Not-
withstanding the prospect of preferment held out to him in this letter, and his
constant support of the King's designs in Ecclesiastical affairs, he appears to have
remained as Minister of that parish till his death, in 1622.]
James R.
Trufty and welbeloued, Wee greete yow hartely well. Wee are
certified by the Laird of Lawrefton, our Commiffioner, of your greate
paynes and care in our feruice for advancement of all thinges that may
produce the quyet eftate of the Church in that our Countrey, and
therein haue receaued greate contentment ; wherefor Wee haue thought
good hereby to affure yow that Wee will not be vnmyndfull thereof, but
as occafion fhall offer Wee meane to take order for your benefite and
preferment, according as by the faid Laird of Lawrefton yee fhalbe more
particularly enformed. Thus, willing yow to contynew in your former
good cariage and dewtyfull endeuouris for furthering of our feruice, as
Wee fhall euer cary our efpeciall mynd both to remember and reward
yow, Wee bid yow hartely farewell, from our Courte at Quhytehall, the
xxvij of December 1605.
To our truftye and weilbelouit
Mr Johne Cawldcleuch, minifter.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 27
XVII.— MR PATRICK GALLOWAY TO KING JAMES.
Please your gratious Maiestie,
I receauit this penult of December your Maiefties letter, deated
the 24. of December, directing me to conveane the Commiffionars of
the Generall Affemblie for your Maiefties feruice, as alfo that I fuld,
by my letters to euery province where the vfuall Synodes ar keeped,
acquaynt thame with your Maiefties fpeciall pleafure and will, To haue
there Synodes to be keeped in the moneth of Februar nixt, without
longer delay.
According to the whiche letter I haue this 1.. of Januar wrettin 25.
letters for the Commiffionars to meete at Edinburgh the 28. of this
inftant, and lykwyfe 15. letters to the feuerall provinces, for fullfilling
your Maiefties pleafure heirin, and haue delyuered them to Sir Jhone
Arnott, your Maiefties treafurer-depute, in heaft to be fend away.
Now, Sir, it reftis that your Maieftie aduyfe upon fuch heades and
articles as falbe proponed at the meeting of the Commiffionars, and
vpon thofe rules, and dire6tiones your Maieftie wald wiftie performed in
the Synodes, and with all convenient fpeed direct thame hither, that
your Maiefties knowin freyndis and feruandis being rypelie advyfed
therewith befor the tyme, may kyth in tyme, as becometh thame, and
that it be not iuftlie obiected be onfreyndis that fuch meetingis ar
needles, quhere no mater of importance is to be handlet : I wifhe from
my hart lowing obedience to be geuin to your Maiefties dire&iones be
all fortes of men, as I falbe an paterne, and, to my pouer, a procurer
thereof myfelff : And I befeiche your Maieftie fo wyfelie to direct, as he
may be compted worthelye, in the eftimatione off honeft men, ane
wndutifull man that will not follow your Maiefties direction.
My Lord of Dumbar, your Maiefties faythfull and lowing feruand,
dois good offices, and prooues ane profitable meffenger from your Ma-
ieftie in all fortes off your Maiefties adois heer, for he deales wery
foundlie and feuerelye aneughe with fome of our humorifts, as occafion
offerres, and with authoritie lattes thame wnderftand your Maiefties
28 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
meaning, that they may conforme thamefelues thereto. So moft harte-
lye commending your Maieflies perfone, and affaires, with your Maieflies
Queene, Children, Counfell, Eftates, and familye to the all fufRcient
prote&ioun, and bliffing of Almighttie God (as my daylie and due.tifull
prayer is), And wifhing wnto your Maieftie and honorable Counfell,
ane high ineres of wifdome to try, and curage to punifhe that mon-
flrouous and wnnaturall Confpiracie, So that it may be laid of England,
for punifhing of this treafone aganift King James the firft in it, that
was faid of Scotland for punifhing of the treafone aganift King James
the firft in it, be iEneas Syluius in his tyme : " As the treafone, for
wylenes, ftained the Nation, fo the accurat tryall and exa6l punifhment
of it, for juftice, aduanced and honored the Nation." I moft humblie
take my leeffe, from Edinburgh, this 1. of Januar 1606.
Your Maieflies moft humble and
hartye Seruitour,
M. P. Galloway.
To his moft excellent Maieftye, the
Monarche of Great Brittane.
XVIII.— MR JOHN SCHARP, MINISTER OF KILMANY, TO KING
JAMES.
[This letter has no date, and was subsequent to the trial at Linlithgow in January 1606.
but it may be given in this place in connection with the following extracts from the
fragments of the Privy Council Records, already mentioned. The letter of the King's
Advocate (No. XIX.), communicates to the King the result of the proceedings
against the Six Ministers, imprisoned at Blackness, when they were brought to trial
at Linlithgow. After some months delay, they were sentenced to banishment by
the King.
" Apud Edinburgh, Secundo die mensis Augusii 1605.
" Anent the chairge gevin be vertew of oure Soueraine Lordis letters to Mr
Robert Durie, minister at Anstruthir, Mr Alexr. Strauchane, minister at Creich, Mr
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 29
Andro Duncane, minister at Caraell, and Mr Johnne Sch<airp, minister at Kilmany,
To haue compeirit personalie before the Lordis of Secrite Counsale at ane certaine
day bigane, to haue anssverit to sic thingis as sould haue bene demandit of thame
and layd to thair chairge, tuiching the vnlauchfull Assemblie haldin at Abirdene in
the moneth of July last, and quhat wes thair behauiour in that Assemblie, [and]
quhat lies bene directit, proceidit, or followit thervpoun sensyne, and to haue
vnderlyne sic ordoure as sould haue bene tane thairanent, vndir the pane of rebel-
lioun and puting of tham to the home, with certificatioun to tham and they failzet,
letters sould be direct simpliciter to put thame thereto, lyke as at mair lenth is cbn-
teinit in the saidis letters, executionis, and indorsationis thairof. Quhilkis being
callit, and all the saidis personis compeirand personalie, and being particularlie
examinat vpoun the forme and maner of thair convening and halding of the
said Assemblie, and gif they think the same to be a lauchfull Generall Assemblie,
they all confessit, and declairit that they wer present at the said Assemblie, and
that they think the same to be a lauchfull Generall Assemblie. In respect quhairof,
Ordains thame to be committit to waird within the Castell of Blacknes, thairin
to remain, vpoun thair awne expensses, ay and quhill they be fred and relevit
be the Kingis Maiestie and his Counsale, and that they entir thair personis in
the said waird within xxiiij hours next efter the dait heirof, vndir the pane of
horning."
Mr John Forbes, minister of Alford, and Mr John Welsch, minister of Ayr, had
previously been imprisoned, on the 27th of July. On the 8th of August, the Privy
Council issued a Proclamation concerning the unlawfulness of the Assembly at Aber-
deen, which is printed in Calderwood, vol. vi. p. 289 ; and in the Booke of the
Universall Kirk, vol. iii. p. 1018. On the 3d of October, the subject is thus re-
sumed in the Minutes of Privy Council : —
" Apud Perth, Tertio die mensis Octobris, Anno 1G05.
Sederunt.
Commissionaih. Xewiiotle. Cranstoun Riddell.
Chaxcellair. Amrcorxe. Pbiuey Seall.
Angus*. B. of Ross. Sr Robert Melvill eklair.
Argyle. B. of Dunkeld. Sr Robert Melvill younger.
Lixlithgw. Halyrudhouse. Sr James Skrymgeour.
Marshall. Blaxtyre. Sr George Dovglas.
Glammis. Collectour.
Hereis. Aduocat.
The first entry, at this meeting, is " Anent the Ministeris that held the Assem-
blie at Abirdene/' of whom seventeen (including John Ross, whose name is omitted
in the first part of the minute) appeared ; and ten of them, being dealt with, " con-
fessit that the said Assemblie was nocht ane lauchfull Generall Assemblie," and
30 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
they were appointed to return home to their flocks ; the other seven, namely, Mr
Charles Pharum, Mr Johne Monro, Mr James Irwing, Mr William Forbes, Johne
Ross, Mr Nathane Inglis, and Mr James Greg, having declared " that the said pre-
U'lulit Assemblie wes a verie lauchfull Generall Assemblie," they were committed to
ward, in the Castles of Doun, Striviling, and Dumbartane.
" Anent the Ministers in the Blacknes.
" The quhilk day, the Lordis of Secrite Counsale, according to his Maiesteis direc-
tioun, hes ordanit, .and ordanis, that the sex ministeris presentlie in waird within
the Castell of Blacknes, for halding of ane Assemblie at Abirdene vponn the secund
day of Julij last, sal be put in seuerall chalmeris, at the leist twa and twa of thame
togidder, and that nane be sufferit to haue access vnto theme, nor they thame
selffis to meit togidder, without a warrand of the Counsale ; and that a directioun
be gevin to the Captane and Constable of the Blacknes for that effect."
The following submissive letter had no effect in inducing the King to remit the
sentence of banishment.]
Most graciouse Sovirangne,
The clemencie quhilk hes appeirit att all tymes in your Hienes
towardis all your Maiefties fubjectis, giffis me fum hope thatt my humblle
fuitt and fupplicatioun for your Hienes favour and pardoun fall not be
mifrcgairditt : and thairfoir vfing no argument to procuir the fam, faiff
your Maiefties foinner kyndnes to men off my calling and profeflioun,
quhairas I have offendit your Hienes, firft, in meeting att Aberdein with
thefe few off the Miniftrie thatt convenitt thair aganft your Maiefties
command : Then, in declyning your Hienes Privie Councell, being
brocht to tryall with vthers, my breethrein, twiching thatt mater : And
laft, quhilk grivis me moft, in the willfull and obftinatt defending off the
faid aciiounes, notwithstanding off your Maiefties difpleafour intimatt to
me and the reft off us quha wer joynitt in thofe buffinefsis, off all quhilk
I now repentt my felff, and am wnfeinzedly forie ; craiffing maift humblie
your Maiefties pardoun and favour theranent, I will promife, and be thir
prefents folemnly fweare, to all amendiment and reparatioun thatt pof-
fible lyis in me off thes faultis, and fall indevoir my felff, by my contin-
wall prayers to God Almichtie for your Hienes guid and profperous
Eftait, and all humblle and ferviceablle obedience thatt can be givine be
ony fik wnwoorthie fubject as I am, to mak itt appeir thatt this your
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 31
Majefties favour beftowitt vpon me fall nott be fcbewitt to ane ungrate or
wnmyndfull perfoun. And fo, witboutt farder importuning your Hienes,
I craive maift humblie on my kneyis your Maiefties pardoun, and gra-
cious anfwer to this my fuitt.
Your Maiefties moft humblle
and puir fubject,
Mb Jhone Scharpe,
Minifter at Kilmanie,
with my band.
XIX.— SIR THOMAS HAMILTON, KING'S ADVOCATE, TO KING JAMES.1
Most Sacred Souerane,
My confaued feir, tbat my filence could not find owt any lawfull
excufe, if I fould not aduerteis your Maieftie, of the progres and euent
of the criminall perfute of Maifters Johne Forbes, Welfche, and vtheris,
thair complices, before your Maiefties Justice, for thair treafonable
declyning your Maieftie and your Secret Counfallis jugement, makis my
[me] bauld to wryte in that mater ; which, als weill in refpecl; of ane
moft heich poynt, and lairge pairt, of your Maiefties authoritie royall,
brocht in queftion, be the ignorant and inflexible obftinacie of these
defendares, as in regaird of the moft cairefull expe6tatioun of ane great
pairt of your hienes subie<Sis in this your kingdome, ouerdoutfumlie
' Lord Hailes, in printing this letter, has added the following note : —
" This letter gives a more lively idea of those times, than an hundred Chronicles can
do. We see here the Prime Minister, in order to obtain a sentence agreeable to the
King, address the Judges with promises and threats, pack the jury, and then deal with
them without scruple or ceremony. It is also evident that the King's Advocate disliked
the proceedings as impolitic and odious, but that he had not resolution to oppose them.
The detail of this trial, and its consequences, may be found in Spotiswood and Calder-
wood." — (Memorials and Letters in the Reign of James the First.)
32 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1600.
diftra&ed, during the incertan euent thairof, pairtlie be fuperftitious,
and pairtlie by fayned zeale to thair profeffioun, and affecTioun to thair
perfones for thair profeflions faik, being of fo heich and dangerous con-
(eqaence, as the mifcaireing thairof micht haue exemed ane great pairt
of your Maiefties fubie6tis, from your Maiefties jurifdidtioun and obedi-
ence in maters of doctrine and difcipline, and all vther thingis which
they fould haue pleafed to affirme to be of that nature ; and thairwith
haue giuen them occafion, and, as it wer, lawfull libertie, or libertie be
your Maiefties awin lawis and fentencis, to haue menteaned that libertie
anis purchaffed and daylie to haue increafed the fame, to the manifeft
perrell not onlie of farder impairing, bot, with tyme, of vtter fubuerfioun
of your royall power within this kingdome. God having now brocht it
to that gude end, that, efter langfum, difficill, and moft contentious
trauellis, thay ar conuicl; be affyfe of that treafonabill declinatour. I
fould omit als neceffar ane poynt of my dewtie, as if I had not replyed
to their most probable alledgences, if I fould conceale from your
Maieftie, that the firft and greateft prayfe of this gude fucces fould
be giuen to your Maiefties felf, for forefeing this mater to be of fik
difficultie and danger, as it requyred the particular dire&ioun of your
Maiefties awin moft excellent wifdome, be the report and profecution
of my Lord of Dumbar, who I am affurit, in all this lyfe wes neuer fo
folift for the euent of the tryall of vther mens lyues ; for at his heir
cumming, finding that mater full, not onlie of forefene, bot also of vnex-
pecled difficulties, his caire and diligence thairin lies bene fo affiduall,
wyfe and prouident, that having maid fecret choife of this tyme and
place, which be effect lies proued moft proper, and fo viuelie exprefled to
your Maiefties Juftice, Justice Clerk, and vtheris, members of that court,
your Maiefties caire of the menteanance of your royall power, brocht in
queftioun be that proces, with the vndoubted favour which they micht
expecl be doing thair dewtie, and moft certane difgrace and puneifment
gif in thair default ony thing fould mifcairie ; he proceided thairafter to
the preparatioun of fufficient forces, habill to execute all the lawfull
commandementis of your Maiefties counfall, in your feruice, and for
that purpofe hauing brocht with him to this towne, ane very great
number of honorabill baronis, and gentilmen of gude rank and wourth,
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL APFAIES. 33
of his kinred and freindfckip, finding, befyde vther great impediments,
the cheif perrell to confift in the want of ane honeft Aflyfe, who, without
refpect of popular fauour, report, threatningis or imprecationis, wald
ferue God and your Maieftie in ane glide confcience ; for knawin default
of conftancie and gude affeclion in vthers, he wes compelled to caufe his
awin particular and privat kinfmen and freindis, to mak the maift pairt
of the Aflyfe, who being admittit vpone the fame, gif he had not dealt in
that poynt, but fcrupulofitie or ceremonies, to refolue thame of the
wounderfull dowt, whairin, by many meanes, and cheiflie be the thoun-
dering imprecationis of the pannell, and contentious refiftance of thair
awin aflbciat aflyfouris, thay wer caffin, that haill pourpofe had failled, to
oure infinite greif and your Maiefties oner great preiudice. For the
gude fucces whairof, I fall ever thank God, and euer pray him and your
Maieftie, to put ws to als few effayes in the lyke caifles, as may poffiblie
ftand with the weill of your Maiefties feruice, in refpecl; of the fcaircetie
of fkilled and weill affected aflyfoures in thir cailfes ; for gif my Lord of
Dumbar had wanted your Maiefties moft prouident dire6tioun, or if we
had bene deftitute of his wyfe and infinitlie folift diligence and adtioun
in this purpofe, in all mens jugementis it had lofled ; whairin our mifluke
could neuer haue fund any excufe, which micht aither haue geuin fatif-
factioun to your Maieftie, or contentment to oure awin myndis ; albeit,
oure conferences and actions did bearc ws recorde, that we ferued with
moft faithfull affe&ioun and cairefull diligence. Bot now we haue to thank
God that it is weill endit, and I moft humblie to craue your Maiefties
pardoun for my bauldness and ouer long letter, whilk falbe alwayes
fchort in comparifoun of my long and endless prayers to God, for your
Maiefties honour, health, contentment, and long happie lyfe. At Lith-
gow, the xj January, 1606.
Your facred Maiefties moft humbill and
faithfull Seruitour,
S". Th. Hamilton.
To the Kingis moft excellent Maieftie.
34 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
XX— LOED FLEMYNG TO THE KING.
Most gratious Souekain,
- I receauitt your Maiefties letter direct to me be the Bifchop of
the Illis, bearing that fum reportis haue been maid of my fcroupulous
judgment in this intenditt ereclion of Bifchopis, and villing me to con-
cur vith all my pouer in the furtherance of thatt feruiee, as being maift
neceffar for your Hienes obedience in this Kingdom, and the preferua-
tion of the puritie of Religion in the fam : Vhairanent, pleafs your
Sacred Maieflie, I am fo far from conceauing any fcrouple in that or
ony vther vork your Hienes is pleafit to intend, that once knawing the
iam to be your Maiefties pleafour, I acquiefce, perfuading my felf it man
be agriable boithe to godlines and equitie, for of your Hienes zeall to the
aduancement of boith ve haue all fufficient experience ; and gif any mak
fcrouple of your Maiefties proceidingis, thair fault, in my opinion, is nott
to be excufit. I humblie thairfoir intreatt your Maieftie to conceatt of
me as ane fubje6te refoluitt to feme, and fallowe your Hienes in vhat-
fumeuer I fall be commanditt, and vill than efteim my felf happie,
vhan your Maieftie fall find me in ony fort vorthie of fauore or imploy-
ment, vhairin vtheris may go beyond me in fkill and habilitie, bott in
affection I can nott cede to ony. Fearing to offend your Maieftie be
longer letter, I remitt all vhilk elfe I vald fay to the bearar his fuffi-
ciencie, vhom I knau your Hienes vill creditt ; and nou killing your
Maiefties handis, in humble forte, I tak my leaue.
Your Maiefties moift humble and obedient
Subiect and Seruitor,
Flemyng.'
To his moft excellent Majeftie.
1 Indorsed. — " Lord Flemyng, xiij Januarye 1606." He was treated Earl of Wigtoun
on the 19th March following.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 35
XXI.— SIR ALEXANDER STRATOUN OF LAURESTOUN TO KING JAMES.
Syb,
May it plaeis your moft excellent Sacreid Maieftie : Immediatelie
efter my heircuming, I fignified to fuche of the Bufchopis and veill
affe&it Commiffiioneris as war heir prefent, your Maiefteis guid, con-
ftant, vyfe, lovyng Eelblutione for the polityk fetling of thair Eftait in
generall, withe the remembrans your Maieftie haid of ilk one in parti-
cular. How joyfull this was to thame, confideringe your Maiefteis greit
vexationis, your Maieftie, at mair lenthe, will knaw at thair nixt publick
meiting, quhilk beis the tuentie aucht of this monethe. Speciallie your
Maiefteis defigne for Mr James Nicolfonis preferment, quhois princelie
cair to that effect they and he befeichis your Maieftie to accept thair
villing indevoiris, (fince all vnabill), they in leift miffour anfuerabill
to your Maiefteis mony faworis, humblie redubling thair greit applowis,
your Maieftie hes takin for thair availl, for the fattling of Durim, in the
Erchebufhoprik of York, (quhilk now is waikand),1 and Brifto in Durum,
be quhois nychtbourheid, as thair opinionis ar one, the moir eiffie heir
your Maiefteis ferveice fall be effe<5tuat. Speciallie Brifto,2 quha hes ewer
kythe[d] ane extinguifher of Papiftis and Puritanis. As alfo ane greit
lower of ws all dwelland in this pairt of your Maiefteis dominione. I
reft attending your Maiefteis ferveice, hoipand to difchairge my felff
heirin as fall refaiff gratius acceptans be your Maieftie, wyffinge to your
Maieftie ane long, happy, and profperus reigne, humbly takis my lieve,
Edinburgh, the xviij [Januar 1606.s]
Your Maiefteis moft humbill obedient
fubiect and faithefull ferwitor,
To the Kingis moft excellent Laurenstoune.
Sacred Majeftie.
1 See foot note on the next page. * Thornborough, Bishop of Bristol.
' ■ This date, left blank in the letter, is supplied from the indorsation.
36 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
XXII.— THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE KIRK TO KING JAMES.
Syr,
May it pleis your moft excellent facreid Maieftie : We can noclit
aneuche acknawledge our awin weaknefs in lowe and thankfulnes (all
that feis cleirlie feiand ilk moment of our lyff confecrated to your
Maiefteis ferweice may noclit anfueir the leift of your Maiefteis faworis).
Thocht, off graice, our wnprofitabill ferweice is gratiuflie accepted,
your Hynes cair, noclit only for ws all in generall, hot alfo for ilk ane
in particular, affectionatlie fygnefeit to ws be your Maiefteis Com-
miffioner, makis ws erneftlie to defyre that our abiliteis war ftrenth-
ened to fecund our guid myndis, quhilkis we find fall nocht be a lytill
be this your Hynes defigne (quhilkis now occafioune hes olferit to be
accomplefid) in the preferment off Mr James Nicolfone to the Bifchop-
rik off Dunkell, quhilk we doutt nocht bot your Maieftie will fie
tymuflie perfytit. Be the quhilk, and the choife off theis tuo wther
Bifchoppis, we heir your Maieftie hes thocht meit to poffes York and
Duram,1 in refpect of the conformetie of difpofitionis, to rander in fum
meffour (nochtwithftanding of greit difficulteis) contentit ferweice to your
Maieftie. All the particularis to this ferweice, fince forder we now pre-
foime nocht to fafche vour Maieftie, we remit to my Lord of Glafco and
Orknayis declaratioune ; bott fpeciallie to your Hynes Commifiioner, the
Laird off Lowreftoune, quhois fidelitie, diligence, conftancie, in refifting
thois wald witheftand your Maiefteis defigne, quhilkis number thocht
they be mony, and that of the beft fort, quhilkis now at his haime-
cuming hes greitlie increft, fince they can nocht terrifie him, fcikis
be all meinis to difgraice him. Bot the abfoluite confidence he hes
ewer fund be your Maiefteis gratius allowance of his lytill indevoiris
1 Upon the vacancy in the primacy of York, in 1606, Dr Tobias Matthew was trans-
lated from Durham, and Dr William James was appointed his successor. John Thorn-
borough, Bishop of Bristol, so highly commended in the previous letter for his zeal
" against Papists and Puritans," was the author of two tracts on the Union of the Two
Kingdoms, in 1604. He was preferred from Bristol to the See of Worcester, in 1618.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 37
fuallowis wp all difficult eis, thocht muche he hes to do to wndergo
thaime. Wiffing to your Maieftie ane long, happie, and profperous
reigne, we humblie takis our leiff. At Edinburgh, the tuantie nynte day
of Januar 1606.
Your Maiefteis moft humbill obedient
luiffing Subjects and Serwitoris
An. Iylis. Murraye. Galloway.
J. Caldcleuchte. A. Forbes Catnes. M. A. Lamb.
To the Kingis moft excellent
Sacreid Maieftie.
XXIII.— MR JAMES NICOLSON, MINISTER OF MEIGLE, TO KING JAMES.
Please youre maist excellent and gracious Majestie.
Albeit the reverence of youre Majefteis facred perfon hes at all
tyraes ftayed me from prefuming to importune your Majeftie by any
meanes, and now prineipallie quhen in all places your Majefties name
is fo highlie advanced as ane of maift rare exemples of God's bountiful-
nes : Yit the manifolde teftimonies of your Majefties undeferved favour
baith bindis and geves me bauldnes to prefent my humble and hartye
thankis for all your Majefties benefites and guidnes fa gratiouflie witch-
aifing, to remember and efteme worthie of reward the unprofitable
labouris of ane unworthie fervand, quho in na wayis can ever merite
at your Maiefties hand, and yit is mair nor fuperflouuflie rewardit ; for
gif in me there be any thing quhairby I micht be thought hable to do
youre Majeftie feruice agreable, quhat is it bot the leatt and meaneft
crummes of fome of youre Majefties awin learned and wyfe difcourfes,
and the credite I have to ferve thairby, bot the favour of your Majefties
countenance ; and heirunto it hes pleifit your Majeftie to joyne ane
honeft moyen, quhairby I live throuch your Majefties liberalitie with-
out the burdening of any, fa that my fervice can by na refon have this
38 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
ufe to procure a farther obligation of your Majefties guidwil, but onlie
to tcftifie the thankfulnes of my affeclion for all youre Majefties gracious
favouris, quhairof gif it pleafe the Lord to affift me, I never mynd to be
oblivious, nor to omit any point of fervice that may be acceptable to
your Majeftie, fa lang as God fal geve habilitie and lyfe, being acquentit
with youre Majefties godly intentiones, as I have bene at all occafiones thir
tvmes bygane, be youre Majefties wyfe and trufty counfallour, my Lord
of Bahnerinoch, quhofe guid advyfes, I man profes, lies fervcd alwayes to
direct me in quhatfoever I have done richtlie in your Majefties fervice.
Sa, with all humble affe&ion, taking my leave of youre gracious Majeftie,
I pray God to bleffe your Majeftie with the continuall incres of all hea-
vinlie graces and profperitie.
Youre Majefties affectionate and
continual Orator,
Ja. Nicolson.
[6 February 1606.']
To the Kingis Maieftie.
XXIV.— THE EARL OF DUNFERMLINE TO KING JAMES.
Maist Sacred Soueraine,
It lies pleafed your maift gracious Hienes, be your feverall letters,
geiue me thankes for the performing of your Sacred Majefteis ferwice at
Lynlythquhow, and alfo for my goodwill to fett fordward your Hienes
maift worthie, wyfe, and royall deffenge in reftitutioun of the Eftaitt of
Bifchioppis.
What ewer I hawe done or may doe, I can nocht think my felfe bot
1 Indorsed, — " Mr James Nicolson, 6 February, geues thankes to his Majestie for his
Bishoprik." The year in which this letter was written is not marked ; but the two preced-
ing letters allude distinctly to Nicolson's proposed advancement to the See of Dunkeld,
although his actual admission to the office may not have taken place till the beginning of
IG07 ; the King having " tymouslie perfytit" the arrangement with the titular Bishop.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 39
ane onproffitable ferwant, onhable to attayne in onye meafure, to that
dewtie your maift Gracious Hienes worthie, raire, excellent, and infinit
vertues, or innumerable benefittes bellowed on me1 bindis me to. Now
that your Sacred Majefties favorable and gracious judgement fould accept
that for effecl; of good ferwice, that I attayne, in all humilitie and reuer-
ence, to the acknaulegement of my dewtie, and that my goodwill and
dew intentioun to doe what I maye or can in your Hienes fervice is
interprett and accepted be the benignitie of your Hienes gracious minde,
for accomplifchement and good payment, is mair favour and greatar
benefit, nor my lyff, nor onye thinge that I am ewer hable to doe, can
acquyte, I may weell in my thoghtis (and that fame fcantlie aneuche)
rekkin or imagin, quhow far I am bund to goe in your Sacred Majefties
ferwice, and quhow to reverence and obey all your Hienes worthie and
gracious commandementis. Bot to doe anye thing worthie off thankes, I
acknavledge abowe my reatche, abowe my habilitie, and abowe my
capacitie : That may proceid onlye from the fontaine off all my good
fortunes, your maift gracious Majefties clemencye, whilk onlye is hable
to mak me baithe to interpryfe, and to doe in your Sacred Majefties fer-
wice, mair nor my awin ftrenthe or habilitie, may extend to, and to doe
be your Gracious Majefties ordonance, that whilk off my felff I nather
may nor can doe. Your maift gracious Hienes directiounes will mak all
impoffibilities poffible, and all difficulteis eafie and plaine. Thus pray-
ing the Eternall, lang to preferve your Sacred Majeftie, and all your
Royall progenie, in all felicitie, maift humblie kneeling to your Sacred
handes, I refte,
Your Sacred Maiefties maift humbill and
obedient SubjecT; and Seruitour,
Edinburght, 7° Februarij 1606. Dunfermeling.
To the King his excellent Maieftie.
1 Alexander Setoun, Lord Fyvie, President of the Court of Session, had recently been
appointed Lord Chancellor of Scotland ; and at this time had been raised to the higher
dignity in the Peerage as Earl of Dunfermline.
40 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1600.
XXV.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO HIS MAJESTY
KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Soverane,
It may pleafe your moft excellent Maieftie : I haive feene your
Maiefteis dire&ioun fent to the Earle of Dunbar anent Mr David Lynd-
faye his intemperance in preachinge. I haive tane baldnes to give
anfuer and avyfe in maift humble and fubmiffe maner. The man vas
input be your Maieftie vpon my rafche and oft repented fute.1 He hes
oft done veill aganes the feditious, albeit inconftantlie. The vordes that
he fpak, to my gryt greiff, war to reprehend your Maieftie for tolera-
tioun and advancinge off Papiftes, quha euer foght your Maieftois wrak ;
and this was efter that I had congratulat to the peipill your Maiefteis
laitt wonderfull delyverie. Efter fermon I couveined the Baillies and
Counfell, and fent thame to him, to querrell him for his vnreverent
ufage ; quhilk wrocht this effect, that the daye followinge he preached ane
Palinod, fa impudenthe flatteringe to your Maiefteis praife, and vilipend-
inge all the Princes of Europe be name, in your Maiefteis refpe6t, that
all men efteimed he was makand penance for the former dayes infolence
with fupererogatioun. Thus this foole is nocht worthie of your Maiefteis
wrathe ; and as for me, I will nocht give advyfe to honour fick ane with
public!; cenfure at fie ane tyme. I hawe advyfed with your Maiefteis
moft truftie fervantis of our focietie, quha thinkes meit to tranfport him,
but noyce, to a Landwart kirk, and to affume to me ane mor vyfe and
faft, quhilk your Maieftie fall fee accompliffed, but your Maiefteis em-
pefchement.
1 After Mr Robert Wallace, the Second Minister of St Andrews, had been deposed by
the King's order, Lindesay, as here stated, was admitted to that charge, 17th August
1597. But in consequence of the above remonstrance, he was translated to the land-
wart kirk, or adjoining parish of Forgan, or St Fillans. From thence he was brought
to Leith, in 1609, as colleague to his aged namesake, David Lindesay, Bishop of Ross
who died in 1613). He was die author of " The Godly Man's Journey," printed at
London, 1625 ; and continued as Minister of Leith, till his death in January 1627.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 41
My Lord of Dunbar hes employed him felff fa faythfullie, eafaldlie,
and fortunatlie in this lait fervice, that I prefume to advyfe your Ma-
ieftie to give him credit in your Maiefteis fervice, in our gryteft turne in
this Parliament : ' for quhatfumeuer is glanfed to your Maieftie in the
contraire, is aither panici terrores or prevaricatioun. Sir, I lacke moyen
to do quhat I wald in your Maiefteis fervice. I heir daylie foule vani-
ties, quhilkis I think I am called to repreffe. I want formall rycht and
rent. Supplie this, Sir, in this your approchinge Court, and than ye
fall nocht neid to wreit hither, but the punifched fall feik thither, toward
your Maieftie, for obteininge pardone. Finallie, your Maiefteis erandis,
in the credit off the Earle of Dunbar, or of ane off lyk difpofitioun, is
heir poffibill and eafie. Non debet fub tali tantoque Principe precarium
e/Je Imperium. Thus I humblie recommend your Maiefteis perfoun and
eftait to God his mercifull providence. I remaine,
Your Maiefties maift humble Oratour
and obedient Servant,
Sanctandkois.
Edinburghe, nynt of Februar 1606.
To the Kings moft excellent Maiefty.
XXVI.— THE SYNOD OF ABEKDEEN TO KING JAMES.
Sir,
It may pleas yowr moft Excellent Majeftie : Wee your Majefties
maift humbill fubjeclis of the Synode of the Province of Abirdein, lamen-
tabillie offeris to your Majeftie the greiffis of the Kirk and all good men
in owr boundis : quhilkis, except yowr Majeftie provyde fpeedie remeid,
1 That is, in the the prospect of carrying through the proposed Act " Anent the res-
titution of the Estate of Bischoppis," in the approaching Parliament, which was held at
Perth on the 9th of July. The Earl of Montrose, however, was still continued as his Ma-
jesty's Commissioner.
F
42 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
baith Kirk and Commoneweill ar licklie to fall in ane miferabill confu-
fione in thir North pairtis of yowr Majefties realme.
Firft, That Mr Jlione Hammiltoun, Mr James Setone, Luis Gordone,
and vtheris vncowth Preiftis and Jefuitis vnder them, ar receat, and is
hard faying Mane in Cathnes, Sudderland, and this Province, be great
men, and vtheris vnder them ; abufing the Sacrament off Baptifme to
their infantis, fparfling Hammiltonis blafphemous new book amangft
them, and feducing them everie way, that ar fimpill.
Secondlie, That the Lairdis of Gicht and Newtone, excommunicat
Papiilis, cheiff manteinaris off thefe thingis, ar fufferit, and no ordour
tain with them.
Thirdlie, That quhen the Miniftrie of the Synodis of Abirdein and
Murray laboris, be the cenfuris of the Kirk, to reduce my Lord Marques
off Huntlie and Earll of Erroll to the acknawleging off the trewth, and
leaving off Papiftrie, they ar continualhe difchargit be yowr Majefties
letteris of horning.
Fowrtlie, That ane great number of Kirkis planted in this countrey
ar leaft altogidder defolat, be the lang continewing in ward of their
Paftoris, feing the maift pairt of vther Kirkis ar vnplantit.
Fyfthe, Be this occafione the maift pairt of the reft of the Miniftrie
ar contemnit and raylit vpon, and their doctrine not hard, and difcip-
line mocked, and Jefuitis enteris in the Kirkis and parochinis wanting
Paftoris.
In Commoneweill.
Firft, Monie deadlie feadis aryfin, amangft Forbeffis and Irwingis,
Lefiyes and Leythis, quhilk ar licklie, be thair pairties, to draw on the
baill countrey to bloodie fa6tionis.
Secondlie, That everie man that pleafis, wearis gunis, piftolis, rydis
with jackis, fpearis, and knopflaiais, without controlment.
Befeiking heirfoir yowr Majeftie, in all humihtie and reuerence, to
caus and command the faidis enormities to be ftayit, that yowr Majefties
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 43
good fubje&is off thir partis may live in the fear and fervice of their
God, and yowr Majefties obedience ; and fo the glorie of God and his
trewth being reuerencit, yowr Majeftie may procure the contynuance of
His bleffing, and profperows reigne, to your felff, and peace to your
Majefties good fubje&is ; and fo praying moft earneftfullie for the famen,
wee tak owr leaue : from our Synod at Abirdein, the twentie day off
Februar 1606 yeirs.
Your Majefties humbill fervitoris
and dayhe Oratoris,
Mr Jon. Strathauchan,
Moderator to the Synode.
P. Blackburne.
Mr E. Reid,
Scrybe to the Affemblie.
To the Kingis moft excellent Maiettie.
XXYII.— THE BISHOP OF ROSS TO KING JAMES.
Pleise your Maiestie,
Being informit of fume reports writtin to your Maieftie off me,
and heiring the treuth of the fame be my Lord of Dumbar, I thoucht
my dewtie was, albeit I haue writtin to dyverfe vthers, to informe your
Maieftie be my awin letter. I truft I am the Minifter lewing in Scot-
land that firft your Maieftie was acquentit with,1 and fence that tyme
how cairfull I haue bene to ferwe your Maieftie, and to do all dewties
that lay in my power, I refer to your Maiefties confideratioun. I wald
1 At the first nomination of Presbyterian Ministers to particular charges, by the
Committee of Parliament, in July 1560, Mr David Lyndesay was appointed to Leith.
Forty years later, in November 1600, he was one of three Presbyterian ministers on
whom King James conferred the title of Bishop, with the privilege to sit and vote in
Parliament.
44 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
haue bene werie laith now, in my auld days, to hawe brokin, and
fpecialie being provockit be your Maiefties gryt fawour, to haue be-
eumit wnthankfull. I refer to the haill Counfall convenit in San6t
Jhonftoune, quhat trawell I tuik with the Minifters that was fumound
to that dyet to gang fra thair Declynatur ; as alfo that meiting of Aber-
deiner and how, of the fewinteine that war fumound, I perfwaidit ten to
fubfcrywe obidience ;' as alfo how eirnift I was at Edinbrugh, quhair
Maifter Johne Forbus compeirit and his brethren, to haue had tham
fatiffiing your Maieftie, fchawing the gryt offence your Heines had con-
fawit of thair doingis, and fpecialie the wilfull menteining of the fame ;
as alfo quhat hurte it broucht on the Kirk and on thair flocks, quha war
deftitut of preiching ; by thair awin perticular hurts. Surlie it never
come in my mynd outher to menteine the meiting of Aberdeine or yit
thair Declynator. I truft my Lord of Dumbar can declair quhat he lies
hard of this mater, and giwe ony of the Counfall wes abill to burthing
me with it. I houp, be the grace of God, to end ane honeft and fayth-
full fubject with your Maieftie, or else I wald my days war cutit af. It
fall not be the fecreit furmeiffes that fall alter my hairt fra your Heines
gud obidience ; alwayfe I refer to your Maiefties awin difcretioun to
pounder the intentiouns of fie deilers, quha, quhen they can not get juft
accufatiouns, invents fie purpoiffes, not fimplie aganis me, but rather
aganis that Eftait.2 Lewing to trubill your Maieftie with any farder
difcours, and crawing ane long and profperous reigne to your Heines
and pofteritie, commits your Maieftie to the prote&ioun of God, with my
daylie prayer for your Heines preferwatioun from the handis of all your
enimies. Frome Leith this fewint of Marche [1606].
Tour Maiefties maift humble SubiecT;,
Ross.
To the Kings moft excelent
Maieftie.
1 See supra, p. 29. s The Estate of Bishops.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 45
XXVHL— MR JOHN JOHNSTON, PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY IN THE
UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS, TO KING JAMES.
It is not unknawen to your Maift Excellent Majeftie what haue
bene my endewouris and trauaills in adwancing the College leving,
wherevpon my Collegues hafe adwancit them felfs with latle or no
regard to me ; In refpecT; wheireof, with confideration of my gude affec-
tione and trauells, approued be your Majeftie, in fetting furth the
memories of your Majefties maift noble progenitoris,1 it may pleafe
your Highnes to putt your Royall hand to this my prefent fute, to
encourage me in my calling, and for releif of my houfhald and famehe,
and heirby to remember your maift excellent Majeftie in my humble
prayers for your Hienes long and profperous Regne. Dinninow, the
xiiij of March 1606.
Your maift excellent Majesties
moft humble Orator,
Mr Jhone Jonston.
To his maift excellent Majeftie.
XXIX.— THE BISHOPS OF ST ANDREWS, GALLOWAY, AND CAITHNESS,
TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Souerane,
May it pleis your Majeftie : hauing felt be experience that thir
jaloufies betuyx us and the Confallours haue bein uerie prejudiciall to
1 One of the works published by Johnston, and evidently that to which he alludes,
was his volume of Latin verses, commemorating the Kings of Scotland in succession,
from Fergus the First to James the Sixth, entitled " Inscriptiones Historicae Regum Seot-
orum." It was printed at Amsterdam, 1602, 4to, and contains a series of ten engraved
portraits of the Royal family of the Stewarts.
46 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
your Hienes feruice, and furnifheid mater to the feditius bothe in the
Kirk and Police, to hald forduard thair myfcheuous attemptatis for dif-
quyiting bothe the parteis, quhois fead, as thay foftered, fo thay fought
the wrak of bothe, we thought fitteft to redintegrat olde freindfcheip,
and to remove all occafiouns of fufpicioune : amid noui nonfunt weteribus
ante ponendi. And it is found, that as in a naturall bodie, fo in a poli-
tick, confueta infuetis meliora licet deteriora ; wpon which ground, confer-
ence is drauen on betuyx us and my Lord Prefident, this Freday, the
fourtein of this inftant, quhairin we haue mad[e] difcouerie eache to
others of the finifter fuggeftiouns, calumnies, and caufes of mifconftruc-
tioune, quharby, with too great creduhtie on bothe fydes, we haue beine
diftra&ed : that mater is fullie quyeted uithe great contentment and
mutuall fatiffa&ioune, quhill we efpy quhat hinderance to your Hienes
feruiceis this breache hes wrocht, and how effe&uall a meane our reioyn-
ing fhall be for the unrefiftable profequtioune of all your Majefties
princelie defignes. The troublers wold neuer haue prefumed to fuche
licentioufnes, ather aganft the State or our perfones, if thai had not
fancied, that in anoying us thai pleafed the Statefmen ; bot, be God his
grace, thai falbe catched in thair auine fnares. Your Majefties Con-
fallours, Civill and Ecclefiaftick, fall fing, JEcce quam bonum, et quam
jucundum, &c. We defyre to furwive thois broils, that, be our loyall
feruice, we may, according to our places, exoner your Majeftie of theis
wnfeiming fafcheries, and in fume meafure acquyt your Majefties conftant
and undiferued affe&ioune to our Eftat and perfones. Refering forder
to the truft off your Majefties faithfull feruand Laurenftoune, we humblie
befeik God [for] your Majefties grace and hapines.
Your Majefteis moft humble fervitores
and daylie Oratours
Sanctandrois.
Galloway.
Edinburghe, 15 Marche 1606. A. Forbes, Catnes.
To the Kinge his moft excellent Majeftie.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 47
XXX.— THE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Soverane,
It may pleas your mofte Excellent Maieftie : We hawe taken
baldnes to be humble fulteris to your Hienes for the Widow and Sonne of
vmquhile John Durie, minifter at Montrofs,1 quha in his lyiftyme was a
mofte devoted fervant and oratour to your Maieftie : his Sonne is a guid
minifter and ane honeft fubiecl;, and frack in thais your Maiefteis fer-
viceis. The fuite is a confirmatioun in this Parliament of ane fmall
penfioun granted be your Maieftie, and ratified of befoir in Parliament,
quherof thay hawe bene continewallie and ar in poffefiioun. Your
Maiefteis princelie inclinatioun to religious pitie, and to rememberance
of your fmalleft weill-harted fervantis, geweis ws efperance of pardoun
for this our hardiment, and of fpeid in this our maift humble media-
tioun. Thus the Eternall preferve your Maiefteis royall perfone and
eftate in all grace and happienes, we abyde,
Tour Maiefteis mofte humble fubie&is
and affe&ionat Oratouris,
An. Itles. Sanctandrois.
Ja. Orknay. Glasgo.
Alexb. Catnes. Galloway.
Edinburgh, 17 Maij 1606.
To the King his moift excellent Maieftie.
1 John Durie was appointed one of the ministers of Edinburgh by the General Assem-
bly, in August 1573. In 1584, he was deprived of his charge by the King, and confined
to Montrose, where he afterwards became minister. The grant of an annual pension of
seven score pounds Scots to him, his wife, and Mr Josua Durie their son, or to the
longest liver, out of the feumails of the Lordship of Altrie (in Aberdeenshire), on the
7th August 1590, was confirmed by Parliament, 5th June 1592, and shows that he had
48 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
XXXI.— KING JAMES TO MR WILLIAM SCOTT, MINISTER OF CUPAR.
James E.
Trufty and welbeloued, Wee greete yow well. Our earneft de-
fire to enterteyne that happie peace in the Church of our Kingdome of
Scotland, which, with great care and trauell, wee left vniuerfallie efta-
blifhed therein at our remouing hether, hauing fince bene manifefted by
our letters to the mofte parte of the Synodes of that realme, and to
diuers our Commiflioners, by mifliues and inftruclions, afwell verball as
in writing, and more perfectlie ratified by letters written to our Counfell
with our owne hande, proporting moft cleare teftimonyes of the con-
stancy of our loue to all well affected members of that body ; which, by
Proclamations and imprinted Declarations, was likewyfe fo folemnly pub-
lifhed, as the notoriety thereof could be vnknowne to none but fuch as,
through wilfull fenceleffnefs, wolde neyther heare nor fee. Hauing,
neuertheles, fo litle prseualed with fome incredulous, wilfull, ingrate, and
malicioufly difpofed perfons, as fome of them haue not forborne rafhly
to contemne and difobey our auctority, charges, and commandements,
and fo ftubburnly to perfifte in their contumacy, as their malicious
obftinacy hath forced vs to intende greater rigor againft them then our
inclination allowes, yet far les then their offences did deferue : And others
succeeded in regaining the King's favour. The Act professes that it was conferred by
the King in reward for " the greit, lang, and ernest travellis and labouris sustenit be
his lovit oratour Joiixne Dury, minister of Goddis word at Montrois, in the trew preach-
ing of Goddis word, besydes the greit chargis and expenssis made be him thir mony
yeiris bygane in avanceing the publict effayris of the Kirk ; and thairwith all remem-
bering the greit houshald and famelie of barnis quhairwith he is burdynnit," &c. — (Acta
Pari. Scot., vol. iii. p. 551.)
John Durie died at Montrose, 25th February 1600. It was in reference to the continu-
ance of his pension that the above petition of the Bishops was made, and which seems to
have had the effect of securing its renewal, by a new Act, on the 9th July 1606. — (lb.
vol. iv. p. 311.) Apparently after the death of Durio's widow, this grant was again rati-
fied in favour of Sir Josua Durie, then minister of St Andrews, Eupheme M'Kane his
spouse, and John Durie their son, 23d October 1612. — (lb. p. 501.)
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 49
haue praefumed, in pulpitt, fooliihlie to iuilifie the obftinate and malicious
proceedinges of their brethrene, and therewith to flaunder our iufte
comma ndements and lawfull proceedinges of our Counfell : As alfo, the
Synodes being required, by our letters and Commiflioners directed to
them, to prouide for their owne partes, fo far as in them lay, to giue vs
aflurance that certeyne Actes eftablyfhed in former Affemblyes, necef-
fary for the peace and well of the Church, particularly expreffed in our
Inftrudtions fent to them, might be ordeyned by them not to be pro-
pounded, treated, or altered at the next Generall Aflembly, which wee
know to be more fitte to be vntouched and ouer-paft at the fame, than
that any mentioun fhoulde ther be made of them, leaft thereby occafioun
fhould arif e of diftra&ion in the Church, and offence to ourfelues : Yet
they fo litle regarded the earneftnes of our requeft, as their anfwers
vniuerfally tended to a prefent delay, without any affurance to vs of
their performing at the Aflembly of that which, for their owne well, Wee
fo earneftlie vrged ; wherein finding a more generall oppofition to our iuft
petition then Wee could euer haue exfpe&ed in any fuch cafe, thefe
thinges, and other weighty reafons, haue moued vs hereby to wille and
commaunde yow, all excufes fette afide, not to faille with diligence to
repaire towardes vs before the fyftenth day of September nexte, to the
intent Wee may that day begin with your felfe, and fuch others of your
Brethrene as Wee haue knowne to be of good learning, iudgement, and
experience, and commanded likewife to be here at that fame tyme, to
treate with yow in maters concerning the peace of our faid Church of
Scotland, and make our conftant and vnchangeable fauour, borne to all
the dewtyfull members of that body, manifeftlie knowne to yow, whereby
yee may be bounde, in dewty and confcience, to conforme your felfe to
our Godly meaning, and to beare trew witneffing for iuflifying the law-
fulnes of all our intentions and actions, afwell concerning the whole
Church as the particulare members thereof. And that it may be mani-
feft to all the world that Wee, hauing embafed our felfe for giuing
fatisfa<Sion to all that profeflion farther then other Princes accompte
befeeming their eftate, if thereafter any turbulent fpirittes be not thereby
recalled to their dewty, but perfifte maliciouflie in vndewtifull contempte
of vs, it may then worthyly be iudged that the feuerity which, by their
50 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
obilinacy, Wee may be forced to vfe, fhall rather be violentlie extorted
(againfte our nature) for their amendement, then willinglie inflicled for
their ouerthrow. Thus hoping yee will not faile prsecifely to keepe the
appoynted day, as yee tender our feruice and the welfare of the Church,
Wee bid yow farewell. At our Mannour of Greenewich, the xxj of May.
To our trufty and welbeloued Mr Williame
Scotte, minifter of Godis worde at Cupar.
[Note, added in the handwriting of ScottJ\ — I receavit this letter
from ane boy, Wm. Craufurd, on Witfoundaye, at outcuming
of the kirk, 1606.
XXXH THE LORD CHANCELLOR TO KING JAMES.
Maist Sacred Sovebaine,
I craue your Majefties favour that it may be lefome to me gift'
entrie to this letter, with fome report of the Antiquitie. I think, to a
man that hes delyted all his dayes in letters, vryting to the maift learned
and wyfe King in the warld, it can nocht be imputt to great amiffe,
albeit fome memoirie off learning be intermixed thairin. I reid that
Marcus Scaurus, a man of great renoune amongis the Romanes florente
Republica, being accufed be Quintus Varius of a werie odious cryme, that
he fould haif reffaued money, fra the King Mithridates, for to betraye
the affaires of Rome : Efter his accufar had deduced all argumentis and
probatiounes he could dewife, he ufed naa other defence but this, Quin-
tus Varius ait, Marcum Scaurum regia pecunia corruptum JRempublicam
prodere voluijfe : Marcus Scaurus huic culpa Je affinem ejfe negat : Utri
magis credendum putatis ? ' Whilk defence was followed with the accla-
matioun of the haill peple, condamning the accufar as a calumniator and
a lyear, and acknauledging the defendars vndouted vertew and honeftie.
' The Lord Chancellor evidently refers to a passage in Valerius Maximus, without
quoting the precise words. Lib. iii., cap. vii., 8.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 51
Maifter Jhone Forbes, a condamned traitour for his rebellious and
feditious conventicles, haldin as Generall Affemblies, againes your Ma-
jefties authoritie and command, accufes your Majefties Chancellar to
haiff gevin adwife, counfall, or confent, to the halding of the faid mutinous
Affemblies : Your Majefteis Chancellar fayes, It is a manifeft lye ; and
giff it might ftand with his honour, and dignitie off his place, to enter
in conteftatioun with fie a condamned traitour, could cleirlie verifie the
fame. Mr Jhone Forbes and all his colleiggis abyddis ftill at the man-
tenance and juftincatioun of that thair Affemblie, as a godlie and lawfull
proceeding : Your Majefties Chancellar, by his publi6t letters, difchargit
and contramandit the faid Affemblie; he lies fenfyne condamned the
faid Affemblie, as a feditious and onlawful deid, and all the pertakers
and mantenars of the fame as mutin[ou]s and feditious perfones. Yovir
Sacred Majeftie hes to judge, whilk of thir twa is maift worthie of credeit.
Farther, I think not neidfull to impefche your Majeftie in this mater :
bot fome informatioun I haiff fend to Maifter Alexander Haye, whilk
it may pleas your Hienes to accept, and heir off, when belt lafour fira
mair wcghtie affaires may permitt the fame. Swa, maift humblie
taking my leiff. and praying the Eternall God lang to preferue your
Majeftie in all felicitie, I reft,
Your Sacred Majefties maift humbill and
obedient fubject and fervitour,
DtTNFERMELYNE.
Edenburght, 25 Maij 1606.
To the King his moft excellent Majeftie.
XXXIII.— THE LOKD CHANCELLOK TO KING JAMES.
Maist Sacred Souerane,
] doubt nocht bot your Maieftie hes reffawed befoir now, full
information from the Noblemen it pleafed your Hienes appoynt to tak
52 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
cognitioun of Mr Jbone Forbes ' his fpeitches, and what verificatioun or
aperance he could geift' of the fame, off the fucceffe of that mater, and off
all that he lies deduced, wherein I newer maid anye oppofitioun, hot was
willing thay fould admitt and heare onye probatioun he wald wse, affor-
ing my felff, giff thay war trew and honeft men, thay wald newer faye
anye iic thing : And giff thay war otherwayes, lipning alfo that thair
awin fayinges and forme of proceeding in the mater wald difcower thair
malicious myndes and fals deffeynges. I knew my felff foe cleir of that
imputatioun, as I could not apprehend anye parrell, whafoewer war
ather judge or witneffis ; hot was defirous to haue the bottome off Mr
Jbone Forbes his deffeynges and ploittes ryped out,2 that your Maieftie
might parfawe what war thairin ; for of this I doubt nocht but your maift
Gracious Hienes great wifdome will judge and foirfee, what hes bene
findrie mennis myndes and meining. For my felff, albeit I hawe ewer
had a werie erneft defyre to ferve and follow all your Maiefties maift
noble and worthy deffeynges, I knaw I was neuer foe cairfull to haiff
your Maieftie ferwed to all contentment, in onye other thing, as I was in
1 These letters from the Privy Council to the King on " this busynes of Mr Johnne
Forbes," dated 14th June, are printed in " The Metros Papers," vol. i. pp. 13-15.
Sir James Balfour, referring to the subject in dispute, says : — " In this same month
of Junij, Mr Johne Forbes, quho had traduced the Lord Chanceler Dumfermling, as one
that had approved the lait Assembly halden by the ministers at Aberdeine, quher at the
King was heighly affendit. The Lord Chanceler denies it altogither, as ane unjust
calumny laid on him, and humbly, by his letters, intreattes his Majestie that it might be
put to a trial ; for which the King writes to the Council. They ceit Mr Johne ; he, to
verifie his assertione, produces as witnes, Mr Walter Balcanqucll, and Mr James Balfour,
ministers, and the Laird of Leyes, Burnett ; quho .all of them being examined, cleired the
Lord Chanceler of that aspersion, as the Lords of Privy Council, with their depositions
sent to his Majestie, did write of the date the 14th of Junij 1606." — (Annals, vol. ii.
p. 15.)
1 Forbes's own account of the matteris contained in his work, recently printed by the
Wodrow Society, under the title, " Certaine Records touching the Estate of the Kirk, in
the years 1605 and 1606." — Edinburgh, 1846, 8vo. In the MS. copies, he has unfortu-
nately omitted to insert his own letters ; but he gives one from the Privy Council
addressed to himself on the 23d May 1606, which gives directions for his transporting
from Blackness to Edinburgh, " with one or two of your brethren whom ye think meet
to accompany you, for cleiring of this mater concerning the Chanceler." — (P. 541.)
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 53
that particular in ftaying off the Affemblie at Aberdene, becaus it was
foe hielie recommendit vnto me be your Sacred Maieftie. Soe leifing to
your maift gracious Hienes confideratioun and grave cenfure, what hes
bene evirie mannis pairt in this caus, hoping that your Maieftie will
ewer interpryte my trew and honeft meaning in your accuftomat, albeit
ondeferwed favour ; maift humblie taking my leive, and praying the
Eternall lang to preferwe your Maieftie in all profperitie, I reft,
Your facred Maiefties maift humbill and
obedient fubject and feruitour,
DlJNFERMELYNE.
Edenburght, 16 Junij 1606.1
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
XXXIV— THE ARCHBISHOP OF SANCTANDROIS TO KING JAMES.
Moist Sacred Soverane,
It may pleis your moft excellent Majeftie : Albeit the beirar
heirof Mr Patrik Lyndefay,1 and Mr Arthour Fethie,2 for quhome he
alfo takis dealing, have, be thair honeft and loyall feruice to your
Hienes, obteened fuche guid lyking and acceptance of your Majeftie,
as thay neid nocht the recommendatioun of anie, yeatt I have taine
bauldnes to geve my teftificat of thair conftant and vnaltered profecu-
tioun of all your Majefties feruices in femblable maner as thay did quhen
we had the fruitioun of your Majefties moift comfortabill prefence.
Manie dois eye fervice, bot thefe be affe6tioned and ftout fouldieris, and
fuche as ar requifit for the Metropolitane of North-Britane, quha can
nocht fecht but ane bak, as your Majeftie knawis. The meane fuitt
thay ar to propone to your Hienes will be ane encouragement to con-
' Mr Patrick Lindesay was minister of St Vigeans, the Parish Church of the Abbey
of Arbroath, in Forfarshire. In 1613, his zeal was rewarded by his being advanced to
the vacant See of Ross, upon the death of Mr David Lindesay, minister of Leith.
' Or Futhie : he was Minister of Inverkeillour.
54 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
tinew thame in thair wonted fidelitye and fordwardnes, rather than the
juft value of thair fervice. I will nocht empefche your Majeftie with
the repetitioun of thefe inftructiounis anent the commoun fervice, com-
mitting the famine to your Majefties royall follicitude, and to my Lord
of Glalgow his fufficiencie. Onlie this, if anie, be importunitie, hare
purchefed refervatiounis, quhairby your Majefties princelie defigne wilbe
ilained, and we maid rather notionall than reall Bifchopes, that itt wald
pleas your Majeftie to difcharge the famin, for it will be neidles to buy
this work from anie mo. All are reddie to obtemper your Majefties
direclioun in this behalf quha ar of anie moment. Mr Andro Melvine '
hathe begun to rais new ftormes with his JEolick blaftis. Sir, ye ar my
Jupiter, and I, vnder your Hienes, Neptune. I muft fay,
Non illi imperium pelagi, sacrumque tridentem.
Sod mihi sortc datum.
Your Majeftie will relegat him to fum vEolia,
ut illic vacua se jactet in aula.
Thus the Eternall preferve your Majefties moift Royall perfone and eftait
for ever. I remaine,
Your Majefties moift humble Servitour,
Edinburgh, 19 Junij [1606']. Sanctandrois.
XXXV— THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY TO KING JAMES.
May it please your most Excellent Majestie,
I hauc receyved from the Lord Archbiihop of St Andrewes, Mr
Andrew Lambe, and Mr Ja. Nicholfon, efpeciall commendation of this
bearer, Mr Patrike Lindfay ; and vpon that occation having had fome
1 The year, omittod in the letter itself, is marked on the back ; but the reference to
Andrew Melville would be sufficient to fix the date. He was one of the eight ministers
to whom missives, similar to that at page 48, were addressed in May 1606, summoning
them to a conference in the King's presence, in September following ; and it is well
known that Melville was never allowed to revisit Scotland.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 55
fpeeche with him, I do find him of good partis and difcreation, fo farr as,
vpon fo fmale occation and experience, I can iudge. It femeth that
your Maieftie is abowt to affure the Abbay of Arbrothe vnto a ccrtayne
Noble man,1 which I cold haue wiffhed with all my harte might haue
beene annexed to fome of your Maiefties poere Biffhoprickes, the nature
of thofe kinde of livinges confidered. At the leaft, finding that your
Maieftie hath a verie good opinion of Mr Lindfey, I do moft humbly
befeeche your Highnes not only to referve owt of your graunte of the
faid Abbay, Mr Andrewe Lambes penfion which he hath already, but
likewife that your Maieftie wold be pleafed to allowe Mr Lindfaye fuch
a penfion owt of the fame, as I perceyue he doth deferve, the oportunitie
now offred being fo fitt for your Maieftie to embrace, and whereby yow
may vnafidelia tres parietes dealbare. The Noble man, in my opinion,
can not thinke muche if your Maieftie pay thefe towe fo worthy perfons
with fome litle coyne, which hath yet vpon it fome blemiffed ftampe of
Ecclefiafticall memorie. Alfo, I befeeche your Maieftie to be good to
your Archbifhop of St Androes, that fuch as haue fome refervations owt
of that Biflhoprikfe may content them felves with the affurancis of them
which they haue alreadie ; and that the Parlament may not make them
better then they are. But if I miftake any thing in this or in any
parte of the premifles, I do moft humbly crave pardon, not dowbting, but
that Mr Lindfay will better informe your Maieftie. My defire to performe
any fervice to that your Clmrche of Scotland, and to thefe godly and
worthie perfons, maketh me to prefume thus farr ; and fo I ceafe to
troble your Maieftie any further. [The] Almightie graunt to [your]
Majeftie long life and happines both here and for ever. At Lambeth,
the 26 of June 1606.
Your Maiefties molt dutifull Chapleyn,
To the Kings moft excellent Majeftie. R. Cant.2
1 The Marquis of Hamilton. See Lindesay's letter, page 57.
» Indorsed,—" R. B. [Dr Richard Bancroft], Canterbury, to the King, in favores of
Mr P. Lindsay, now of Glascow, and desyring the Abbay of Arbrothok to be annexed to
sum poor Bishoprik in Scotland. 26 of Jun. 1606." From this note, we may infer, u
Lindesay was not translated to Glasgow until 1633, that the original letters were not
indorsed till the reign of Charles the First.
56 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
XXXVI.— THE EABL OF MONTROIS TO KING JAMES.
Pleis your Sacred Majestie,
Amongis great multetudis, oft tymes it hes bein fein, fum confu-
fioun, and men of euill difpofitioun verrie buffie to catfche, or at tbe leaft
empafche, tbe good erand. Bot as euerie wark bes tbe awin bbffing, fo
doith it go fordwart. And albeit this laft a6tioun of your Heigbnes laft
Parliament, fum litle broyle was maid in the beginning thairof, nochtwith-
ftanding ftrait proclamatiounes being maid. The Nobiletie being fua weill
enclynit to pace and your Majefteis obedience, that it maid ceas (prafi.t
be vnto God) without litle harme. Yit, fuppois men did not altogither
kythe thame felfis, greit number of hid impedimentis did murmour. Sua
that as our obedience, deutie, and loue towardis your Majefteis materis
hes procedit fua weill hithertillis, boith concerning your Majefteis pre-
rogative, the ftait of Bifchops, the brek of the acl; of Annexatioun, and
the grant of ane Taxatioun, whiche thingis war done with grit applaufe
and contentment. As for my awin a6tioun and good will to forder thefe
your Heigbnes feruices, I remit thame to the declaratioun of wtheris. Bot
one thing I dar fay, and will tak vpon me, that if any Prince may be
entraictit to loue ane fubjeci, your Heighnes good caus hes to wey your
Majefties counfallour the Erll of Dumbar in the ballence of ane maift
faithfull fubje6t and vigilant feruand, who hethe done good feruice fince his
laft hamecuming, boith in the Bordours and now in this Stait, fua far as
is procedit. And thir thingis, my fweit Soueragnne, I am bold to truble
your eyis be this paper, whiche being onlie mouit with the loue I carie
to your Heighnes feruice, and, what I may, reddie fall I be to the end
of my lyff. Refting in all humble maner, I tak my leive be kiffing your
Heighnes facred handis, fhall remane,
Your Maiefteis moft humble and obedient
fubject and fervitour to deatbe,
Perthe, the 7 of Julij 1606. Montroiss.
To his Royall Maieftie.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 57
XXXVII.— MR PATRICK LINDESAY, MINISTER OF ST VIGEANS, TO
KING JAMES.
Most gratius and deir Soueran,
It may pleis yowr Hienes, I heifF takin the boldnes be thir feve
lynes to fignifie to yowr Majeftie, that althoche yowr Hienes did wreit
werie earneftlie wnto the Marqueis of Hamyltoune, defyring hym, as he
wold giff prooff off thankfulnes for that gryt Lordfchip and leeving of
Arbrothe, frielie graunted wnto hym be yowr Majeftie, to fuffer willinglie
my litill peece land, with the fermes and duties thairoff, to be referued
furthe off his Ereclione, according to yowr Hienes warrand gratiuflie
graunted wnto me thairwpone, for the quhilk I render mony hwmbill and
hairtie thankis ; yitt newertheles the Marques hes fa [little] regairded yowr
Majefties defyr theranent, that he wold nather obey the famyn, nor yit
wold he and his freindis and fauoreris fuffer yowr Hienes warrand to be
read nor woted, nather be the Lordis off the Articlis, nor in public!; Par-
liament, bot hes obtenit his Ere&ione without ony referuatione. Aganis
the quhilk, for the reuerence I did bear to yowr Majefties warrand and
commiffioune fend to the Parliament in my fauoris, and confidering
that ane thankfull hairt could nocht weill obfcur your Hienes benefeit
and liberalitie, I heiff maid public!; proteftatioune, protefting the famyn
to be null, in refpecl; the Eftaitis micht nocht difpone nor erecl any pairt
off yowr Hienes patrimonie aganis yowr Majefties direcl warrand and
commiffioune. Boithe befor and efter the Parliament, I euer did offer to
be fimplie fubmitted to my Lord off Dunbar, and to wnderly his judg-
ment in quhatfoeuer his Lordfchip pleifit prefcryve to me, in refpecl his
Lordfchip did know yowr Hienes will mor particularlie in that earand
nor any other; bot the Marqueis wold nocht be fubmitted wnto hym.
1 1 is true in deid I did refufe to refer my felf ather to the Marqueis his
will, or to his freindis, as I wes defyred be fome, efter the exampill off
my college Mr Arthour Fythie, pairtly in refpecl; I heiff had no freind-
(chip nor fauor of thatt Howfe thir fex yeiris, and fa could nocht expect
meafour or rafone to be giffin wnto me ; as alfo, I thocht it nocht my
dutie to refer your Majefties gift and liberalitie to be controllit be the will
off hym from quhom your Hienes moft iuftlie hes and may referue the
58 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
famyn ; for the quhilk I wes fund fault with be fome : bot heiranent, I fim-
plie fubmitt my felff to yowr Majefties cenfur, and lookes that yowr Hienes,
according to yowr Majefties princlie and accuftomat conftancie, shallbe
pleifed to gift warrand for perfyting that benefite and gift onis begun, for
the quhilk 1 did run poft fa mony myllis with haforit off my healthe, and
to my gryt chairges, quhilk may werie facillie be doone, for all yitt is in
yowr Majefties handis, in refpect by this Parliament the Abacie of Abir-
brothe is diffolued only from the Act off Anexatione, to the end the
famyn may be difponed to hym be yowr Hienes, fa that yowr Majefties
warrand to the Collector and Keparis off the Signet and Sealis to ftay
paffing off any fignator or infeftment giffm, or to be giffin, to the Mar-
queis wntill the tym that he mak me fufficientlie to be fecurit of that
litill peece land, according to yowr Majefties former warrandis, will yit
do my turne. As for this warrand, Mr Allexander Hay will prefent the
famyn to be fubfcryvit be your Hienes. Althocht yowr Majeftie fould
be moued be the Marqueis and his freindis importunitie ather to draw
bak thes benefit onis begun and difponit to me, or to ftay from perfyt-
ing of the famyn, as fayd is, (quhilk I look nocht for, nather fliall ewer
merit), I may weill thairby be maid the mor onhabill to do thois feruices
and good offices to yowr Hienes, that I boithe can and bearis good will
and inteir affectione to do, bot therby fhall newer be maid the mor
vnuilling, bot fchall euer bend my wittis and endeuoris to giff cequall
prooff off thankfulnes with thois quhois lot lies bein mor fortunat in pre-
uenting me, at yowr Majefties liberall handis. The Erie off Dunbar did
his diligence in prefenting to the Lordis of the Articlis yowr Hienes
warrand and direct iones in my fauoris, bot the famyn wer nather read
nor pwtt to woting. Thus, hwmblie craifing pardoune for this my
haimblines in wreting to your Majeftie, and moft humblie taking my leif
by kiffing yowr Majefties handis, committis your Hienes to Godis bleffed
protecliounc.
Your Hienes moft hwmbill and
obedient fubject and Orator,
St Ihonftoune the 12 of Julij 1606. M. P. Lindesay.
To the Kyng his moft gratius and
excellent Majeftie.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 59
XXXVIII.— A REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE BETWIXT HIS MAJESTY
AND THE MINISTERS OF SCOTLAND, HOLDEN AT HAMPTON COURT,
22 OF SEPTEMBER 1606.
[This Report was evidently written by a person attached to the Court who was pre-
sent at the Conference, and was favourably inclined to the Presbyterian ministers.
The name of the writer has not been stated; but we may venture to attribute
it either to Sir David Murray or Sir James Sempill. The words printed in
italics are deleted in the original, apparently to be replaced by the marginal
notes.1]
The Minifters of Scotland, to wit, Mr Andro Melvill, Mr James
Melvill, Mr James Balfour, &c., being fent for by his Majefties letter,
againft the 15 September, came to the Cittie of London the 2 or 3 of that
moneth ; where they ftayed till the appointed day, at which time they fent
one of their company, to wit, Mr William Scot, with Mr Alexander Hay,
to learne if it was his Majefties pleafure they fhould keep the faid 15th day;
who (becaufe the if obilitie, Biihops, and Commiffioners expected were not
all come) appoynted them to flay till the Satterday the 20th of that in-
ftant. They, on the Fredday, 19th September, paffed to Kingfton, by
water, where they lodged, being a mile from Hampton Court ; and, on the
morrow, to Hampton, where they met with his Majefty, (the Bifhops and
Commiffioners having acceffe the Weddinfday before), and after they
had all a kiffe of his hand, he talked a little with thein in fair generall
fpeeches, thereafter difniiffed them ; who, as they were returning from
Hampton to Kingfton, were, in his Majefties name, by Alexander Hay, ^|le D<.a» »f
dejired to be at fermon to-morrow following, the 21 of September. to Mr Joime Gor-
After their dimming to church, a feat was prepared for them hard by lisburip, to desire
the pulpit, where Dr Barlo, Bifhop of Kochefter, made the fermon, on t cm'
Act. 20. 28. Attendite vobis et toti gregi in quo conflituit vos Spiritus
functus Epifcopos : which words he vrged for Bifhops, Archbifhops, &c,
The original is preserved in a volume of Manuscript collections (Wodr. MSS., Folio
vol. XLII.) which belonged to Calderwood, who has incorporated the greater part of this
Report in his History, with occasional additions from some other source.
60 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1G06.
their jurifdi&ion and fuperioritio over the other Miniftrie ; much ahufing
Fathers, perverting Scripture, and delivering many points of Popifh
dodtrine. Sermon ended, they were invited to dinner, and hy one in
his Majefties name entertained at Court. In the after noone, there
being no fermon, they returned back to Kingftone.
On Monday, in the morning, they were defired by Mr Alexander
Hay to come after dinner to fpeeke with his Majefty ; who comming,
were admitted to his Majefty, who came, accompanied to the [privie]
chamber of pre fence, with the Earle of Argile, Dumbar, Orknay, Fle-
ming, Lowrefton, Sir Thomas Hammilton his Majefties Aclorney, &c,
1 l'liMcknt, ami with ' Mr John Spotifwood the Bifhop of Glafco, Mr G. Gladstones
scottisheCounscii Bifhop of St Androis, Mr James Law Bifhop of Orkney, Mr James
thorforth,tym,; Nicolfonj Mr Robert Howy Mr patrick Scharp, Mr Andro Lamb; fo
that none els were prefent that day, fave only Dr Montiqui [Montague],
Deane of his Majefties Chappel, who kept the doore. At which tyme
the King made an eloquent fpeech, tending to this or the like purpofe ;
fheweing, That whereas he had left the Church of Scotland in great peace
at his departure, being now defirous to have the fame continued, he had
fent for them to know of the particular difturbances thereof which lately
had therein arifen, and to heare their advife and counfel how the fame
might be compofed and mitigat ; fhewing alfo how happily this Church
of England was eftablifhed vnder the government of Bifhops. In end,
lie drew to two particulars, to wit, 1°. To demand, what they thought of
that Conventicle (for fo continually he called it) at Aberdeen, and whe-
ther they would condemne the fame or not ? 2°. What overtouris they
- tot a peaceable would give 2 to pacifie thingis. Then he began to Jliew the vnlaufulnes of
semblie to be ' * that AJfembly (Conventicle) by fundrie circumflances, as 1°. By thepaucitie
"'", of the Brethren there convened without any warrand ; 2°. The abfence of the
Moderator and Clerk of the former AJfembly ; 3°. Their vnordourly proceed-
ing without a fermon ; 4°. The charge given the night before dif charging them
to meet on the morrow, tye.
To all which objections, To which two queftions Mr James Melvill
(being appoynted common mouth by the reft, becaufe of his gravitie,
wifdome, and grace which he had with his Majefty, for avoyding of
all confufion, and ftaying of offenfive fpeeches) anfwered, That feing they
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 61
had come only upon his Majefties letter, not knowing what his Majefty
was to propone to them, and feing thefe two queftions were weightie, and
required great deliberation, they could not give a prefent anfwer, and
therefore requefted his Majefty that they might have a time to advyfe, to
th'end they might give his Majefty a dire6t anfwer. Wherevpon his Majes-
ty granted them that night, till the morrow in the after noone, to confult
together, to the end they might give his Majejly a convenient anfwer touch-
ing both the /aid points. In the meantime, the /aid Mr James anfwer ed his
Majefiies obxeEtions, particularly to the firft, affirming, That in an Affembly
of the fervants of Chrift, whereof the number is not prefcribed by a law,
it is not lawfull to any to difallow thereof for the number, feing 2 or 3,
convened in the name of Jefus, which are the fmalleft number, have the
promife of his prefence, who is their Lord and Eular of them ; befides,
rarenes males not vnlawfulnes, in an ordinary meeting eftablifhed by law
and pra&ife ; laftly, all that was clone might lawfully have been done
by a fewar number, authorifed with commiffion as they were, for con-
tinuation requiris not full conventions. As for their warrand in meet-
ing, he affirmed, 1°, That meetings had warrand from Godis word ; 2°,
his Majefties laws ; 3°, Their Prefbyteries, who had fent them in Com-
miffion to that effect, and after approved their prorogating the day
(which was all they did), and therefore were to be blamed, if any thing-
was done amiffe, and not the particider perfons, who were but only the
executers of their Prefbyteries will and commiffion. To the 2d, he an-
fwered, That the abfence of a Moderator and Clerk was not de effentia
Synodi, and therefore the one (to wit, Mr Patrick Galloway, Moderator
of the former Affembly) abfenting himfelf, the other (to wit, Mr Thomas
Nicolfon, Clerk), being prefent, but craving leave to be abfent for that
time, becaufe of his waightie affaires, they might create others in their
places, according to the pra&ife of the Church of Scotland, as it is to be
feen in the books of the General Affembly. To the third, he anfwered,
fhewing that his Majefty was informed much amiffe therein, feing it was
of veritie that one of the pallors at Aberdeen, to wit, Mr James Roffe,
made the fermon before their meeting. As for the pretendit charge
given the night before, he then, in the name of the whole Church of
Scotland, adjured Lowrefton (being there prefent), as he fhould anfwer
62 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
before the great God, in the day of the appearing of Jefns Chrift to
judge the quick and the dead, to teftifie, before God and his Majefty, the
truth of that matter, whether there was any fuch charge or not ; who
neuer opned his mouth to fpeak one word. Thus, having fatiffied his
Majefties obie&ions, they wer difmiffed.1
On Twfday, 23 September, in the morning, they wer warned by the
faid Mr Alexander Hay to be at fermon again; who, when they had come
to the King's chappel, wer placed hard by the pulpet to heare Dr Bucrage
[Buckeridge] on Rom. 13. 1. Omnis anima potejlatibus Juperioribus
fubiecta ejto, &c, touching the King's Supremacie ; who, although he delt
not fo naughtily as the former, yet ftill joyned Pope and Prefbyterie to-
gether as enemyes to Kings' fupremacie. After they had dined (being
honorably, as they wer the Lordis day before, entertained at Court, by his
Majefties appoyntinent), they wer fend for to come to his Majefty ; who,
with the young Prince, came, accompanied with the former Scottifh Lordis,
Brfhops, Commiffioners, and many of the Nobilitie of England, as Salif-
bury, Knollis, Suffolk, Admirall Harie Howard, with the Archbifchop of
Canterbury, and fondrie others of the clergie, lurking behind a painted
The tapestric in a cloath. The Minijiers having rejolved vpon their anfwers to his Majejiies
m. And. Mewm, two propojitions, perceiving that the matter was like to turn to contradiction,
lmriethe Kin(fU' defired the Earle of Dumbar to requeft his Majefty that none might be
prefent at their conference, fave only Scotifh men, as was on the Moon-
day before, left they fpeaking any thing whereat his Majefty might be
offended, he tooke the fame after in the worfe part becaufe of that audi-
torie. His Majefty would have none removed that were there prefent.
After fitting downe, he aiked them (not as he had done the day before,
hearing one anfwer for all, as they thought he fliould) in particular, their
mindis in the former two queftions; and beginning with the Scotifh
Bifhops and Commiffioners, he afked their minds, in hypothefi, what they
thought touching that Affembly at Aberdeen, and the proceidings of
them who mett there ? Who all of them, vna voce, without any fcruple,
condemned the Minifters in priffon for meeting at that Affembly, and
1 Calderwood says, the Ministers " were convoyed through the gairdin and parke by
Sir David Murrey." — (History, vol. vi. p. 571.) Sir David Murray of Gorthy was tutor
to Pilnco Henry.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 63
their proceidings therefter. His Majefty perceiving the Bifliops and
Commiffioners to condemne that Affembly, and the Minifters meeting
thereat, proceeds, and demands of Mr Andro Melvill (who flood next in
order to them), faying, " Yee fee how your Brethren here cannot juftifie
thefe men, nor that Affembly. What fay you, therefore ? Whether
think ye that a few number of 8 or 9, without any warrand, do meet,
wanting the chiefe members of an Affembly, as the Moderator and Scribe,
conveining vnmanerly, without a fermon, being alfo difcharged before
by open proclamation, can make vp an Affembly or not ? " To the which
the faid Mr Andro anfwered, " That the particulars of this propofition
were anfwered the night before, and further, he could not fay, feing
thefe many years he had been debarred from all Affemblyes and public!
meetings ; and as for condemning the brethren in priffon, and their pro-
ceedings, fo rafhly, hee could not." Then his Majefty asked, " Why, what
reafons have ye moving you do not condemne them ? " He anfwered, " If
it pleafe your Majefty to heare thefe : — 1°. I am but a privat man,
come, without any commiffion from the Church of Scotland, vpon your
Majefties Letter ; and therefore feing Nemo con/lituit me judicem, I cannot
take vpon me to condemne them. 2°. Your Majefty hath, by vertue of
your proclamation, dated here at Hampton Court (which he then pro-
duced), remitted their triall to a Generall Affembly, expecting then for
reparation of wronge, if any be done : I therefore cannot prejudice the
Church and Affembly of my vote there, which, if I give now, I fhall be-
fore to have my mouth fhut then, as, by former experience, I and the
reft of the brethren have tryed before. 3°. Res ejl hactenus judicata by
your Majefties Council (whether juftly or not), that I remit to the
Lord, the fearcher of all hearts, before whom one day they muft appeare
and anfwer for that fentence : Shall I then take vpon me to contradict
your Majefties Councel and their doings ? I think your Majefty will
not be well content herewith. Laftly, How can I condemne them judicata
caufa, not hearing both their accufers, in objecting againft them what they
can, as alfo the parties themfelfes in pleading for themfelves ? Vntill the
time, therefore, that I heare both parties vtrinque, I can fay nothing."
Next him in older flood Mr James Balfuir, who being vrged by his
Majefty to fignifie his minde, defired his Majefty not to ftrait him, for the
64 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
reaibns before alleadged (for that [what] they had all thought vpon, Mr
Melvill, fpeeking firft, delivered) ; as alfo, becaufe he fufpected his Majefty
was informed of him amiffe, and therefore whatfoeucr he fpake would nut
be taken in good part, but more irritate his Majefty, which they were
very unwilling to do.
Next him was Mr James Melvill preffed ; who anfwered to his Majefty,
" That feing a great part of the time was fpent, he would be the briefer,
and the rather, feing he had received fince his comming to London from
the priffoners, in a mafs of letters, their Informations giuen in to the Par-
liament, as alfo their Proteftation againft erecting of Lord Bifhops then
prefented, which both at that time were refufed (for the Commifjioners
of the Church, fpecially Mr Patrick Galloway and Mr James Nicolfon,
Jlayed the prefenting of both, refufing themfelves to prefent them, as alfo
their grevances, and caufing an ordinance to be made in Councel that no-
thing flwuld be received from the Church but out of the Commifjioners hand,
by their Moderator, Mr Patrick Galloway, thus do fed they up the way from
all others, and they themfelves would not), and now were defired to be de-
livered by him, in their names, in his Majefties own hands." Which
being prefented by the faid Mr James, his Majefty fell a reading of them
prefently.
In the meantime, while his Majefty thus was reading them, his Ma-
jefties adtornay, Sir Thomas Hammilton, began to preffe Mr William
Scot touching the faid point; to whome he anfwered fo gravely and
learnedly, vfing both termes of law, logick, and theologie, that he had
the great applaufe of the nobilitie of England.
The King's Advocat feing the faid Mr William to anfwer fo difcreetly,
and he having no folidc reafon to oppone, fallis a railing of the priffoners.
Mr Andro Melvill, feing the Advocat fo feverely to judge them and ther
proceedings, flood vp, and related, ab ipfo oro, the whole circumftances
of their meeting at that Affembly, and other proceedings fince, fo that
whereas before he would fpeak nothing to condemne them, now he alto-
gether purged them and their whole doings, and faid to the Advocat,
" My Lord, yee woidd do God and his Majefty better fervice, if ye bended
your forces and fpeeches againft your vncle, Mr John Hamilton, a femi-
nary prieft, and one Mr Gilbert Brown, Abbot of Newabbay, who haue
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 65
infected a great part of Scotland with their fuperftitious dregs of Poperie.
But thofe mens heads yee have clapt, and fhut vp the faithfull fervants of
Jefus Chrift into priffon. And ftill, my Lord, yee fhew your felf poffeffed
with the fame fpirit, for yee think it not enough to haue pleaded againft
them in Scotland, vfing all the fkill and cunning yee could there, except
now alfo yee continue Karrf/opo'; tow aSe\<jxov."
At which words the King, turning him about to the Archbifhop, faid,
" What is yon he fays, my Lord ? I think he is calling him, out of the
Revelation, the Antichrift ; nay, be God, he calleth him the very Divel." '
Thus, in end, all of the eight Minifters gaue their minde ; and feing that
the King and his Advocat flood only to quarrel apices, et rei medullam
prreterire, they flood the ftronger in cleering the priffoners, fo that what-
foeuer reafon was omitted of one was brought by another, everie one having
a pretie time to advyfe vpon his anfwer, feing the former fpeeker fpent a
quarter of an hour or more. In end, his Majefty demanded of them what
they thought in the other point, and what overtour they would giue to paci-
fie things ? They anfwered, There beft overture was to haue a free Generall
Affembly, by which all iarres would be removed, and all things quickly
quieted. Being demanded alfo what they thought of his Majefties Supre-
macie? They defired that his Majefty would fett doun a propofition in write,
fhewing what he did require of them, and they mould giue his Majefty
their minds in write again, what they thought therein. Thus the King
and Prince and Nobilitie arifes, and they were difmiffed, not without the
great applaufe of the Nobilitie of England there prefent, who heard them
fpeake fo gravely and boldly in God's caufe, who were brought thether
(although againft the defire of the Minifters, yet), by God's providence,
to be informed of the truth, and beare witnes thereto.
On the morrow, being Weddinfday, 24 September, the faid Mr Alex-
ander Hay was fent from his Majefty to Mr James Melvill, to fee if he
would fubfcribe the thingis giuen in by him the night before : Who an-
fwered, Althocht they were non of his, yet he would fubfcribe them in
that maner, and with the words he gaue them in ; which being written
1 Calderwood adds the following words, as part of the King's speech on this occasion : —
" Weill bowled, brother Johne," said the King ; and so rysing cuttedlie, and turning his
backe, he said, " God be with you, Sirs."— (History, vol. vi. p. 577.)
I
66 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
on Friday, 26 by him on a peece of paper, wer caried to his Majefty, to fee how he liked
Commission was of that fubfcription, who feiiig the words, faid he would require no fub-
to banian 6of tile fcription at all. All that week they were no more called on.
!omu.r,edltTf The Sabbath following, they were charged to come to his Majefties
!ui"nfnnieSandSthe ch;lPPel> to heare Dr Andrews, Bifhop of Waftchefter, [Chichefter],
real i» prison to opning vp Numb. [10, 1, 2.], in which he compared their Prefbyteries
isles; the other to the confpiracie of Corah, Dathan, and Abiram.
Mmistrfeof Scot- On the Monday, 29 September, they were called to come before the
them,texPc™)t after Councel of Scotland, who, after they had [feparately inquired] again of
God woidVen1 euerv one m particular touching that Affembly at Aberdeen, put the de-
their eyes to see poner in a corner, left, returning, he might fignilie to the fubfequent what
knowledge the he had confeffed. In which triall, God fo ruled all of their hearts and
pardon therefor, mouths, that (although none of them heard what another had confeffed,
yet) all of them agreed joyntly in one harmonic. The faid day, they de-
manded of them alfo, if they had prayed for the priffoners, and what was
the particular forme thereof; who confeffed that all of them had prayed,
but the particular form they could not remember, feing many of them vfed
not a fet forme. Alwayes at that time fome of them rehearfed the parti-
cular words, fo neere as they could remember, and fubfcribed the fame
with their hands. Others defired a tyme to call the fam in minde.
On the morrow, being Twyfday, the 30th September, the fermon being
begun by Dr King (qui quantus, quantus fuit, totusfuit, in convitijs), and
they miffed from the chappel, wer fent for, with all expedition, who cum-
The said day his ming, heard him. Thereafter they were called before the Councel, to give
ofTsSuppiica[ion m the particular forme of their prayer, fubfcribed by their hands ; at which
prisoners, lend ^me a^° ^eY wuo the night before, ex tempore, had done the fame, gave
my Lord of Dum- jn t}ie particular forme of their prayers, as more advifedly thought vpon.
bar to Mr James l . . Jar
Mciviii to ask for On Thurifday, 2d. Octobris (his Majefty being gone to Royfton the day
in their names, he before), they were fent for again to the Councel of Scotland, and had
there after waT' thefe propofitions fet down to them in writ, fubfcribed by Mr A. Hay
;!omtg!ny rao™ clerk of the Councel his hand, in his Majefties and their names, to
Court5 orPrincos which they defired them to have an anfwer in readienes when they fent
for them again. Thus they wer difmiffed, and their anfwers not called
for till the 9th of November, at which time all of them gaue in their
particular anfwers.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 67
The 23 of November, Alexander Hay was fend to them from his Ma-
jefty, with this ambaffage, That whereas his Majefty had writ for them to
heare their counfel and advife in pacifying matters, and that they had not
fatiffied his Majefty, but fome of them had fhewed themfelves inobedient
to his Majefties command, therefore hee thought good to fend them to
the Schoole of Obedience ; to wit, Mr Andro Melvil to Dr Bilfon, Bifliop
of Winchester ; James Balfour to Dr Gigon [Jegon], Bifhop of Norwich ;
James Melvil to Dr James, Bifhop of Durham ; William Watfon to Dr
Vaughan, Bifhop of London ; William Scot to Dr Dove, Bifhop of
Peterburrow ; Bobert Wallace to Dr Barlow, Bifhop of Rochefter ;
Adam Colt to Dr Cotton, Bifhop of Salifbury ; and John Carmichael
to Dr Mathew, Bifhop of York.
XXXIX.— KING JAMES TO THE PRESBYTERY OF DUNFERMLINE.
James B.
Truftie and weilbelouit, We greit yow hartlie weill : Oure knaw-
ledge of the jaloufies and diftra&iones of lait tyme, arriffin without any
neceffar or effentiall caus in the Kirk of Scotland, the progres quhairof
micht tend to oppin diffentiones amangis the Paftouris, to thair awin
troubill, the euill exampill of Oure peopill, and Oure mifcontentment,
haiving moved Ws to fend for ane number of the Minifterie, quhome We
vnderftude to be of knawlege and gude experience, that be thair in-
formatioun the caufes of thefo greiffis micht be trewlie knawn, and the
beft meanis deuyfit for removing fuche vnneceffar contentiones, and
reducing thair proceidinges to ane fetled and gude ordoure for thair
awin quytnes and Our obedience, We haue not reffauit that fatisfac-
tioun be thame quhilk We expected, thair anfweris tending more to
ignorance of thefe diftra&iounes and grudges, (quhilk, to Oure greife, is
ouer manifeft to the warld,) nor to any aduyfe of the remedies thairof.
And becaufe We could not be blameles of vndewtifull negligence, gif We
fhould leave any gude meanis vnaffayed, and quhilk micht bring reddieft
remeid to bypaft difordouris, and beft affurance for gude ordoure in the
08 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
Kirk, and obedience to Our authoritie, in tyme cuming, Thcrfoir We
haue thocht it neceffar to appoint fum Nobilmen, and vtheris of Oure
Counfall, to conveine with ane gude number of godlie, wyfe, and learned
Minifteris of the Prefbetereis of that Oure Kingdome, at Linlythgow, the
tent day of December nixtocum, to aduyfe and refolue vpon the renieidis
of bypaft diftra&iouncs, preventing of imminent dangeris be the daylie
incres of the number of Papiftis travelling in all cornaris of that King-
dome, to difturb the peace of the Kirk and cuntrie, and fubuert Our
Royall Eftait ; and for fetling of gude ordoure and quyetnes in the
Kirk, and obedience to our authoritie : For quhilk purpois Our will is,
That ye direct Mr Johnne Fairfoull, minifter at Dunfermeling, Mr Andro
Forrefter, minifter thair, and Mr James Stewart, minifter at Sawling, of
your Prefbeterie, to be prefent withe fik of Our Nobilitie and Counfall as
We haue commandit to meit thame, the faid day and place : That by
thame they may knaw Our godlie and juft defyres, and that fik as ye fend
may giue thair informatioun, aduyfe, concurrence, and jugement to the
furderance of gude ordoure, peace, and obedience in the Kirk and
cuntrie to Our authoritie, preventing of Papiftis courfes, dilaiting the
names of the authouris thairof, and fik as refettis Jefueitis, Prieftis, and
traffiking Papiftis, or vtheris excommuicat perfones, as alfo fik as refortis
not to the Kirk and Communioun, according to Our lawis and Actis of
Parliament maid thairanent ; and in all vther maitters of the lyke nature,
tending to the peace of the Kirk and Our obedience : Whairanent Oure
conftant affedtioun to the aduancement of all fik godlie purpoifes wilbe
more lairglie fignified to thame at the faid meitting, be fik of Oure Nobi-
litie and Counfall as hes Our expres dire&ioun in these matteris. So
refting affurit of your conformitie and dewtifull obedience in the per-
formence of this Our command, tending to fo godlie and neceffar
endis, We bid yow hartlie fairweill. At Neumarket, the xx of Oc-
tober 1606.
To Our truftie and weilbelouit the Minifteris
of the Prefbeterie of Dunfermeling.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 69
XL.— THE EARL OF MONTROSE TO KING JAMES.
May it pleis your Sacred Majestie :
Wpon the refeat of yowr Heghnes letter, willing me to repair
towardis Linlithaw for affifting certane yowr Heghnes effaires and fer-
uices to be traitit thair : whiche charge inaift willinglie I did wnder-
tak, being a mater of fo great worthe, and tending fo muche to the
pace, tranquiletie, and weill of the Churche, in this yowr Heghnes
kingdome: Whair lykwayis a good number of the Kobelitie, with the
Prelattis and Miniftrie, war affemblit ; and findrie materis tuiching
that Staite being handlit in fo good forme, with prouident and weill
effedtit difpofitioun in enerie one, that I dar be bauld to fay, [in] a Con-
ventioun or meting of fua greit a number, neuer les contrarietie in
voitis or opiniounes (except in fum litle not at all to be comptit) :
whiche having takin end, to new occafioun, with fuche applaufe and con-
tentment, that I am not able to writ quhat the pepill haif exclamit yowr
Heighnes praife, be fo wyfe and graue confideratioun, be the employing
of fuche a faithfull counfallour, the Erll of Dunbar, in fuche a holie work ; l
whair, Ciuill materis haifing good fucces in his handis, no les has he had
in thir Spirituall materis, who, wnder God and your Majeftie, hes bein
ane good inftrument to fatle thir thingis ; quhilk your Majeftie will wnder-
ftand moir particularlie be the Connfellis letter. The affiftance of the
Erll of Wigtoun, and my Sone, hes bein, to thair pouar, good affociatis
in this erand, for fordering your Heighnes commandementis. And in
my perfone, altho my habiletie be nocht in the wonted forme, my hart
fall go to the graive with loyall and deutefull obedience in whatfumeuer
your Majeftie fall command me. Whair now, haifing adreffit my felf to-
uardis Edinburghe, to attend on your Majefteis diredtiounes ; befeiking
your Majeftie, euer to be conferuit in your Heghnes fauour. In all humi-
1 According to Sir James Balfour, the unanimity which prevailed at this Assembly, was
chiefly owing to the bribery practised by the Earl of Dunbar, Lord High Treasurer,
" amongst the most needy and clamorous of the ministry." He adds, that this " mystery
of state came thereafter to light, by the view of the Lord Thesaurer Dumbar his
compts." — (Annals, vol. ii. p. 18.)
70 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [160G.
letie taking my leive, be killing your Heighnes handis, ftiall pray God
for long lyfe and happie regnne to your Majeftie. Will reft and remanc.
Your Majefteis moft humble and obedient
fubjecl; and feruitour to the deathe,
Linlithco, the xiij of Deccmr 1606. Montroiss.
To his Royall Majeftie.
XLI.— THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL AND MODERATOR OF THE
ASSEMBLY AT LINLITHGOW TO KING JAMES.
[Calderwood mentions that " the Nobilitie, at the requeist of the Assemblie, wrote to
his Majestie in favours of Mr Robert Bruce." — (Hist., vol. vi. p. 609.) Notwith-
standing the following very urgent appeal, it would appear that the King had withheld
his consent to Bruce's removal from the North. It probably was in consequence of
this refusal that no notice of Bruce's Supplication was taken in the attested extract
of the proceedings of the Assembly at Linlithgow, which is inserted in the Booke of
the Universall Kirk, vol. iii. pp. 1022—1035.]
Most gkatious and Sacred Souerane,
At this Affemblie, keipit be your Maiefteis appointment at Lyn-
lythgw, thair wes ane Petitioun prefented in name of Mr Robert Bruce,
proporting, that with all dewtyfull reverence he had fatiffied your
Maiefteis dire&ioun, be his entrie and keiping of wairde within the
Burgh of Innernes this yeare bigane and mair, and be his dewtyfull
behaueour during the tyme of his wairde, without any juft occafion of
offence to your Sacred Maieftie, with a full and conftant purpois and
refolution during the haill courfe of his lyfe to cary him felffe euery way
to your Maiefteis obedience and fatiffaclioun, and how that in this mean-
tyme he haid contracted diuerfe difeafis, whilkis imported the hafard and
perrell of his lyfe, and thairfoir he humlio craved of the Affemblie, that
be thair interceffioun, your Maieftie myght be intreated to tranfport his
wairde from Innernes to his awin place of Kinnaird, where he mycht
1606.]
TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
71
liaif the commoditie to be confulted and advyfed with phifitionis and
men of knawlege, anent the nature of his difeafe, and ordinarye remedyis
for the fame. This letter being red in public! audience, and the forme
of his behaueour in his wairde being examinat be the Affemblie, and no
thing fundin nor tryed hot ane dewtyfull cariage on his pairt, The haill
Affemblie, all in ane voce, humlie intreated and requeifted ws to recom-
mend vnto your Sacred Maieftie his eftait and conditioun, and to requeift
your Heynes to haue a fauourable confideratioun of him, and to returne
him hame to his awin duelhng, wherin thay perfwade thame felffis to
find your Majefteis accuftomed gratious and clement difpofitioun, and the
rather for our interceffioun, proceiding from thair vniuerfall confent and
requeift ; And thairfoir, for fatiffactioun of the Brethrene, we mone be
bold, in all reverence and humilitie, to recommend vnto your Maiefteis
gratious and fauourable confideratioun the faid Mr Robert, and to requeift
your Sacred Maieftie to returne him hame, vpoun fuch conditionis as to
your Sacred Maieftie fall feame expedient, wherethrow the hoipis and
expeclatioun of the Brethrene may be fatiffeit, and the faid Mr Robert
may haif moir nor caus to acknawledge your Maiefteis gratious dealing
with him : And fua praying God to bleffe your Sacred Maieftie with a
long and happie lyffe, and eternall felicitie, we reft,
Your Maiefteis maift faithfull and
obedient fubie6tis and fervitouris,
LoTHIANE.
Ross.
MONTROISS.
Coltjille of Culros.
DoWNBAR.
Glencatrne.
A. WcHILTRIE.
Blantyr.
Cassillis.
D. Scone.
LlNLYTHGW.
J. Lindsay.
Wigtoun.
Clericus Registri
KlLSAYTH.
Orknay.
Ja. Nicolson,
S. Robert Meluill.
KlNGORNE.
Moderator.
Lynlythgw, 13 December 1606.
To the Kingis moft excellent Maieftio.
72 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
XLIL— HIS MAJESTIES COMMISSIONERS TO THE ASSEMBLY AT
LINLITHGOW TO KING JAMES.
Please your most Sacred Maiestie,
Having for obedience of your Hienes letter bene prefent at the
Affernblie of Lithgow as your Maiefties Commiffionars, and thairin done
our moll huinbill and faitbfull indeuors to lie all tbinges grauelie and
wyfelie proceidit vnto for the weill and peace of the Kirk, quyetnes of
the cuntrey, and dew obedience of your Maiefties authoritie, according
to the molt wyfe and prouident directions and instructions fend to ws be
your Maieftie thairanent. Albeit, the great diftraclions Handing this
whyle bygane amangis the Miniftrie, and hard opinions alfweill precon-
faued be findrie of thame, as by ane great number of your Hienes vther
fubiectis, of dyuers pourpofes hardlie intendit aganis the libertie of the
Discipline and Policie of the Kirk to be wrocht at this tyme, maid the
beginning of oure trauellis full of doubt and difficulties ; yet that bliffiing
of God, whilk ordinarlie accumpanies the juftice of your Maiefties moll
holie and wyfe diffeigns, efter many appearances of great oppofition to
haue bene maid to all that we could haue proponed, kythed fo forcibill
at this tyme, that efter oure declaration of your Hienes conftant fauour
to the Kirk and all godlie and dewtifull Minifters, and thair confidera-
tion of the acceptabill contentis of your moll gracious Letter directed to
the Affernblie, thair myndis wer thairby fo far chainged, that firft thay
ordanit your Maiefties letter to be inbuked in thair Regifter, and perfau-
ing be the progres of our actions, how great your Maiefties caire wes to
repres and puneis the Papiftis, and to menteane the Kirk in thair liber-
ties, and ftrenthen thame with the power of your Maiefties authoritie,
the ficht of thair former errour, and of the vnexpe&ed weill offered to
thame in your Maiefties name, maid the haill Affernblie, and evin thefe,
wha came of fet powrpofe to haue opponed to the power and laufulnes
thairof, and to our haill proceidingis thairin, to content to all that wes
concluded with greater moderation and vniformitie, nor euer wes fene in
any former Affernblie. AVhairof your Maieftie will vnderftand the par-
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 73
ticulars be the a<5lis thairof ordanit to be extracted and fend to your
Maieftie. Swa that in end, all that wer prefent, alfweill of the nobilitie,
counfall, baronis, and miniftrie having vote, as the reft wha came to
liaue opponed to oure power and proceidingis, in ane voce gaue moft
hairtlie thankis to God for your Maiefties contineuance of your loue to
this your Natiue cuntrey, and caire of the weill of your faithfull Subiectis,
and libertie of the Kirk thairof; and moft affectuoufly requeifted ws, in
all thair names, to giue to your Maieftie moft humbill, hairtlie, and vn-
feyned thankis for the cxceiding confort whilk thay haue reffaued be the
gracious effectis vttered at this tyme, of your Maiefties conftant affeclion
to this Kirk and cuntrey ; for the whilk, albeit thay can not offer or
performe any farder nor thair former dewtie band thame to do, yit, we
ar affured, that thay will neuer ceafe to wifh to thame felffis the happi-
nes to haue occafion to manifefte to the worlde how earniftlie thay
defyre to mak it knawin be thair actions, and all that the frie and readie
bellowing of thair trauellis, moyens, bloudc, or lyues can effectuat, how
far thay think thame felfis bund beyond ordinar dewtie of common fub-
iectis to thair Prince, to expreffe thair infinit loue, and humbill and
faithfull affection to your Maieftie for your innumerabill and daylie
increffing benefites and fauouris to thame. And becaus we haue moft
evidentlie fene this thair rcqueift to proceid of the fincere affection of
thair faithfull hairtis, we haue tane this bauldenes trewlie to recorde
the famin to your Maieftie at thair earnift defyrc, hopping that your
Maieftie wald graciouflie accept it in gude pairt. Vhairin humblie
crauing your Maiefties pardoun for oure prefumption, we befeik God
long to preferue your Maiefties lyf and health, and to incres your
Hienes profperitie, honour, and contentment. At Edenburgh, the 16
of December 1606.
Your Maiefties moft humbill and
faithfull feruands,
Montroiss.
J. LlNDESAY. SB. JoHNE SKENE.
Blantyke. Jo. Prestoun.
To the Kingis moft excellent Maieftie.
74 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
XLIII — THE PROVOST AND TOWN COUNCIL OF EDINBURGH TO
KING JAMES.
OURE WAIST GRATIOUS AND SoUERANE LORD,
Pleis your maift Sacred Maieftie : We haue, for obedience of the
command of your Maiefties Counfall of this Kingdome, direetit the
beirers heirof, our conburgeffes, and your Maiefties humble fubjectis,
Thomas Fifchear and Williame Speir, merchants, to your Maieftie, for
the fame maters of the Ynioun, quhairin they had commiffioun of befor,
quha, we ar perfwadit, lies done and will do thair honeft dewtie thairin
to your Maiefties contentment : And thairfore we ar this bauld to re-
commend thame to your Maiefties guide favour and acceptance : And
becaus it is nocht wnknawin that, for advancement of your Maiefties
fervice in this realme, your Maieftie borrowit fra ws dyvers fowmes of
money, for the quhilk our commoun guide is therlett as yit, fua that
except your Maieftie haue confidderatioun thairof, we will thairby, and
throw the want of your Maiefties gratious prefence, quhilk was fa con-
fortabill wnto ws in many refpecls, becum fchortlie vnhabill to do that
dewtifull fervice to your Maieftie that our hairtis wald, or yit to inter-
teny that rank and eftimatioun quhilk we haue had in tyme paft : And
feing this prefent Taxatioun grantit wpoun this Realme, quhairin we did
all our indevoir, becaus we wnderftude it was your Maiefties will, was fett
for outtreding of your Maiefties debts, We maift humblie pray your
Maieftie that we may be helpit to the payment of our juft and honeft
debt in the forend thairof, To repair in fum mefour our bygane loffes.
Forther, it hes pleafit your Maieftie hetherto to tak ane cair of the plan-
tatioun of our Kirk ; and M. Patrik Galloway, your Maiefties Minifter,
and M. Gilbert Prymrofe, hes bene be your Maieftie all[owit] thairto :
Neuertkeles, we ar as yit deftitute of baith. We pray your Maieftie
thairfor, that M. Patrik may be movit, be your Maiefties authoritie, to
accept the plaice, becaus we profeitt littill be our travells as yit at his
handis : And as to the vther, we ar lyk to lofe all exfpectation of him ;
albeit your Maieftie and we hes writtin to him, quhairof we haue
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 75
refeauit na anfuere. That, for this caus, it may pleis your Maieftie to gif
ws libertie to elect fie as we can find maift qualifiet, and beft lykit of be
your Maieftie : And fua feiring to trubill your Maieftie with langer
letter, we haue referrit thir matters, and all vther things concerning ws,
* to the beirers, with credit : And praying for your Maiefties lang and
profperous regne ower ws, We commit your Maieftie to the prote6tioun
of the Almichtie. From this your Maiefties Burgh of Edinburgh, this
faxt of Februar 1607. Be
Your Maiefties maift humbill and obedient fubje&s,
The Provest, Baillies, and Counsall of the
Burgh of Edinburgh.
DuNFERMELYNE, Provest.
J^iniane Makmoran, BaiUie.
James Nisbett, Baillie.
James Arnott, Baillie.
To the maift heich, maift excellent, and grati-
ous Prince, Our maift dreidfull and Souerane
Lord, the Kingis maift Sacred Maieftie.
XLIV.—THE EARL OF MONTROSE TO KING JAMES.
May it pleis your most gratious Majestie :
What wpon the bond dew of my feruice, and nixt the occafioun
of this worthee berar, your Maiefteis verrie lowing fubjecl;, my Lord
Bifchop of Glefgow, having takin hardement now, as of befoir, to write
what his panes and trauellis hes bein in the gouernament of the Churche
in this your Heighnes Kingdome, maift cairfullie and diligentlie hes
wfit him felf with fo good moderatioun, as I wifche from myne hart
euerie one in that degrie carie the lyk procedour, who is nieritable of
many thankis. As I am affurit your Princelie cair is touardis all weill
76 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1007.
affeclit ; and in refpect of rny dalie attendance heir wpon your Maiefteis
dire6tiounes and feruices, nather hath ane occafioun or wther of my awin
adois impeditit me in any fort, whilkis, thankis be to God, bathe takin
in fum meafour good fucees : And in particular, this laft handling we had
heirtofoir in Linlithco for eftaiblifching of quyet ftait in the Churche,
and moderating abftinat Papiftis to the bettir difchiplein, we haue
had fum of thofe befoir ws in Counfell, and quhat be fair meanes, and
wtherwayis be threatningis, we think, be procefs of tymc, God of bis
mercie, and your Maiefteis clement iuftice, will induce thame the richt
way. As your Maieftie will underftand our proccdour aganis fum of the
hieft, and not the mcineft, and what my pairt was thairin, whiche I
remit to be declarit be wtheris. Bot as I haue begun to ferue your
Maieftie with policie of a guid gouernament, fo I hoip to end my dayis
with ane fatle of boithe in Churche and ciuill eftait, that heirefter, in
agis to cum, it may be enrollit fuche holie and Godlie workes were
effe&uat be fuche a wyfe and learned Prince, whom I pray God fend
many happie dayis, with ifchue of good fucceffioun, and a ioyfull ending.
Thus, with all humble maner, I tak my leive be killing your Maiefties
handis. Shall reft and remane,
Your Maiefteis moft humble fubiect
and feruitour to deathe,
Edinburghe the 26 of Februar 1607. Mojjtroiss.
To his maift Royall Maieftie.
XLV— THE BAILLIES AND TOWN COUNCIL OF GLASGOW TO
KLNG JAMES.
Most gratious Soveraigne,
May it pleife your Sacred Maieftie : The nychtbouris and induel-
leris of this your Hienes Citie of Glafgu, being now fatlit in a perfect
peacu and quyetnes, efter long and trublefum broylis, cheiflie be the
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 77
cair and diligence of your Maiefties truftie fervitour, and our verie gude
Lord, the Archibifchop of Glafgu, We tak the boldnefs to remember
your Hienes of that declaratioun of your Maiefties gratious pleafour
anent the forme quhilk falbe kepit in the ele&ioun of our Proveft yeir-
lie in all tyme cuming, quhairin we all of ws ar contentit to follow your
Hienes dire&ionis ; and in this and all vthir thingis to conforme our
felfis to that quhilk we fall vndirftand to be your Maiefties moft gratious
will. We expe6t, Sir, the declaratioun heirof be our Archibifchop at his
return,1 quhome we haif alfo requeiftit, in all hwmill fort, to mean the
puir eftait of our Citie to your Hienes, the dettis quhilkis haif bene con-
tract throw thir trublis haif neir exhauftit the commoun gude, the
ruynis of our Kirk, and vthir inconvenientis that be wattir we ar lyke
to fuftene ; to the end our eftait being maid knawin to your Hienes, a
lettir may be fent to the Lordis of your Maiefties Secreit Counfall, will-
ing thame to vfe ws as vtheris your Hienes fubje<5tis with favour, and
nocht to impofe ony burdingis or taxtis vpone ws bot thofe that falbe
1 The Presbytery of Glasgow appear not to have been fully satisfied with the Bishop's
attention being so constantly diverted by public affairs from his duties as a minister, and
they had resolution enough to express this, in the following terms, in their Minutes ; but
the result is not stated : —
1607, June 24. Anent the Bisehop of Glasgow. — The Presbiterie wnderstanding that
thai ar ordenit be the last Synodall Assemblie to summond the Bisehop of Glasgw, how
sone he sail cum hanie to this cuntrey, to compeir before thame and the Commissioneris
efter following ; to wit, Mr William Birnie, Johnne Lindsaye, Mr Bobert Darroche, Mr
Patrik Walkinschawe, Mr Johnne Hay, Mr Patrik Hammiltoun, Mr Walter Stewart, and
Mr William Simpsoun, within the Blackfrier Kirk of Glasgw, at ane eertane daye and
houre, to be contenit in the summondis to be rasit aganis him ; and thair to accuse him
for his non-residence, and for his negligence in the discharge of his office in the Ministerie
in the Kirk of Glasgw, and for his not subscry ving of the Caveatis of the Generall Assem-
blie, contenit in his admissioun, quhilk he promeisit to have subscryvit ; and anent ane
wther greiff notishit bo thame, and offens in his persone that can be laid to his charge, u
in the Act of the last Synodall Assemblie is at mair lenthe contenit. The said Presbi-
terie, for thair obedience to the said Act, conforme thairto, summoundis the said Bisehop,
personalie present and Moderator in thair Presbiterie, to the xxij daye of Julij instant,
to compeir before thame and the said Commissioneris, in the said place, at ten houris
befor noon ; and ordenis letteris to be writtin be thair Clerk to the said Commissioneris,
to bo present the said daye, to the effect foirsaid." (Maitland Miscellany, vol. ii. p. 409.)
78 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
impofit vpono your Hienes haill cuntrie. And our truft is alfo, that at
fura moir convenient occafioun, your Maieftie wilbe pleafit to fupplie ws
of your Hienes Princelie liberalitie, fpeciallie to the reedifeing of our
ruynous Churche, quhilk is ane of the rareft werkis of this pairt of your
Hienes Kingdome. And for our felfis, we will nocht ceafe to rememhir
your Maieftie in all our prayeris to Almychtie God, and for your Hienes
feruice beftow our lyveis, our gudis, and quhat elfe foevir wee haif and
enjoy. Killing your Maiefties handis, in all humblenes we tak our leave.
Glafgu, the vij of Merche 1607.
Your Maiefties humble and obedient fubjeclis,
The Bailleis and Cocnsell of the Citie of Glasgu,
A. Forret. Robert Rowat, Baillie.
James Braidooid. Thomas Mur, Baillie.
James Inglis. Mathew Trumble, Baillie.
James Fischer. William Anderson.
Walter Douglass. Ard. Faullis.
George Lyocne. Johnne Retchie.
A. Heygat, per A&um Consilii di£ti Burgi signauit.
To the Kingis moft Excellent Maieftie.
XLVL— THE BISHOP OF ORKNEY TO KINO JAMES.
Blissed Souerane,
May it pleis your Sacred Maieftie : My Lord Earle of Dumbar
(whois fidelite and prudenc in your Maiefties feruice heir, lies purchafed
pre-eminence in delerued praife and dew comparifon, redounding to your
Maiefties glorie) wald not depairt from Edinburg, vntill his Lordfhip did
fee ane contract formed, reformed, and perfected, betuix my Lord Earle
of Orknay and me, conform to that fame minut, whiche bothe of vs did
fubfcryue, at your Maiefties command and palace of Whythall, in Nouem-
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 79
ber la.fl. Sir, I haue leirned ap^onm, km vojmo, km, ao^wrepw euceiv, that is, to
obey the Princ, the law, and the moir prudent ; and therfor I reft content
withe that condition which your Maiefties wifdome hes prouydit, your
gratious fauour hes beftoued, and your will hes aftri6ted my fubmifliue and
obliged obedienc to accept : Remembring that of Plato, Many men loofe
be vntymlie defyrs, but ar crouned with prefent content ; and therwithe
ftill houping that your Majefties moft circumfpe6tiue prudenc fall, in the
moments of fit opportunitie, perfect your oune work without ony letting
refpedt to my vnworthy imperfectione. But leaft your gracious Maieftie
fuld think that of Seneca, Memorice minimum tribuit, qui [quisquis] fpeiplu-
rimum, to be treue in me, I moft humblie befeich your Maieftie to accept
for all your Maiefties beneuolenc and beneficenc vndeferued, my firft
poore penfione of thanks, quam tantam habeo, quam maximam animus meus
capere pote/l, and my vow of bund feruic, which tuo it behouis all deuti-
full to do who ar not habill to regraciat. Whiche bafe prefent (les than
the widouis myt, I confes,) being fauorable countenancit be your moft
gracious Maieftie, in whome inborne clemencie hes euer beene tender to
compaffione, eafie to remiffione, and reddie to fubuention and fuccour, I
would, vpon my knees, mak moft humble fupplication to your moft
Excellent Majeftie in fauour of my Lord Earl of Orknay, as ane tefti-
monie bothe of my good affeftione touards his Lordfhip, as efpecialle of
my humble obedienc and obferuanc of your Maiefties moft wyfe direction
to me. In all whiche I moft humble craif your Maiefties pardone for my
prefumptione ; and feeing I can not defigne nor comprehend the breed
of my deuot affe&ione to your Maieftie in the narrow lifts of paper, kiff-
ing your Maiefties hand moft humble, I tak my leif, praying God moft
earneftlie to defend and bliffe your Royall perfone and ftait, with mercy,
peac, and grac, and all bliffings iffewing thairfra.
Your moft Excellent Maiefties
moft humble feruand,
Edinburg, 14 Martii 1607. Ja. Orcaden.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
80 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
XLVIL— THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
[Among Balfour's State Papers and Letters of 1607, we find the following note, with-
out date, addressed by the Marques of Huntley to the Earl of Dunfermeline. As it
appears from the letter, at page 14, that the Provincial Assembly at Aberdeen had
been " dealing" with the Marques, in February 1605, it more probably refers to
that period, rather than to that of the subjoined letter from the Privy Council to
the King, in March 1607.
My ueiuiay good Lord and speciall Cousing, being forsit, upon the strait deling
of the Ministrie, to haist me to his Majestie, according to his direction, with greater
expedition nor I thocht to have done, I haif send this berar, my serviteur, to your
Lo : requesting your Lo : maist hartlie that I may have your Lo : letters in my favours
unto his Majestie, reporting my obediens to his Maj. will, and theMinistirs refusall,
quhilk I dout not bot your Lo : is sufficientlie allredie informitt of, be his Majesties
Commissioner, the Laird of Laurenstoun, quha can declair my pairt ; and becaus I
my ml to ventour my stait, in standing and falling with your Lo : gif your Lo : keip
deuetie to me, quhilk I dout not of, I will the mair haimlie bourdein your Lo : to be
the forderar of my affairis, as I have willit tliis berar to impairt unto your Lo : at
gretar lenth. Sua therto remitting, my loving commendations rememberit, I will rest,
Your Lordships maist louing Cousing at pouar,
To my uerray good Lord and maist Huntlye.
special cousing, my Lord Chancellar.j
Pleas your most Sacred Majestie,
According to your Heynes dire&ioun anent the confynning of fuche
Nobilmen as ar fufpe6tit to be of a contrair religioun, we caufit charge
the Marques of Huntley to compeir befoir your Maiefteis Counfaill vpon
the nynctene of this inftant, and with him the Bifchopis of Abirdeyne
and Murray, and the Minifter of his awne parroche, to haiff borne record
of his behaviour. In the meantyme, without the knowlege or confcnt
of ony of your Maiefties Counfaill, he is quyetlie gone by ws towardis
your Maieftie, and fua lies fruftrat this dyet, whilk we mon fnffer to
defert. Yff he had abiddin the tryall of the Counfell, we fould haif
followit that courfe with him whilk your Maieftie hes fo wyiflie prefcryved
and fett doun, bot feing he is now abfent and with vour Maieftie, we
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 81
will remitt him to your Heynes awne princelie cenfure ; and what courfe
your Maieftie will haif to be tane heirefter with otheris who fall committ
the lyke errour, we fall imbrace it, and fee it reffaue executioun. We
knew not of the Marques depairtour whill of lait, whilk is the caus that
your Maieftie hes beene fo lang vnacquented thairof be ws. And fua
praying God to grant vnto your Maieftie a lang and happy regnn,
we reft,
Your Maiefteis moift humble and obe-
dient fubje6tis and feruitouris,
Sen the writting of this letter, we haif DoWNBAR. MoNTROISS.
hard frome Mr Alexander Hay of your BLANTYR. Al. CanceliA
Maiesteis most wyiss and princelie beha- o t> ht r> o
,. .7 ., . , . b. XIOBERT MELUILL. D. DCONE.
viour towardis the Marques, at his first
vpcomeing, ffor the whilk we rander vnto J°- PRESTOUN. J. BALMERINOT.
your Maiestie moist humble and hairty
thankis.
Edinburgh the 16 of Marche 1607.
To the Kingis moift excellent Maieftie.
XLVUI.— KING JAMES TO SIR JOHN LEHIMONTH, PROVOST OF ST
ANDREWS.
James R.
Truftye and weilbeloued, We greitt you hairtlie weill : Whereas
We vnderftand that the plaice of the Miniftrie within the Churche of
the Citye of St Androis, formerlye poffeffed be Mr David Lyndfay,1 is
now voyde and vnplanted, Thairfoir it is Our pleafure and will that ye,
in Our name, as Our Commiffioner, conveyne the Commiffioners of the
Generall Affemblye, and alfo command the Magiftrattis and Confell of
the faid Citye to prefent to you lyittes of fufficient qualified and weill
difpofed men of the miniftrie, amangis whome you fall mak choice of
fuche one to fupplie the voyde plaice of that miniftrie in that Citye
1 See note supra, p. 40.
L
82 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
whome the Archbifhope in his judgement fall think fitteft to poffefs the
lame : And heirin ye fall do Ws moll acceptable plcafure and fervice,
and fo We bid you fairweill. From Our Courte at Whytehall, the fevint
of Apryile 1607.
To our truftye and weilbeloued,
Sr. Johne Leirmounth of Balcomye, knight.
XLIX.— ME PATRICK GALLOWAY TO KING JAMES VI.
Please your gratious Maiestye,
This prafent is to giwe your Maieftye molt hartlye thankis for
all your Maieftyes fauors touards me, fpeaciallye for the conftant continu-
ance of your Maieftyes loue with me, as it vas vount ; affuring your Ma-
ieftye, you haue the man vho neuer vas nor fhall, God willing, be found
alterable in his duetifull affection to ferue your Maieftye, as becomes him.
If it fall out that I fufpend my judgment in fomethingis proponed to me
aff hand, till I got fuller refolution both to fpeak and to ftand koneftlye
to that vhiche I fpeak, affuredlye it arryfes of no vnfound and altered
affection touard your Maieftyes feruice, bot onlye off laik of foreinforming,
vhiche geues light and curage to men to doe ; and vherewith eucr fince I
ferued your Maieftye I haue bene made pertaker als foone as others : and
for the clearing of this point, I referre myfelf to my Lord of Dunbars
teftification, vho can and will giue iuft information to your Maieftye of it.
I hcare, that your Maieftye is refolued to haue the Miniftree of Edin-
burghe planted, the eftate vhereof is more miferable and defolat nor ony
toune or kirk in Scotland ; and vhiche is vorfe, the pulpittis ar fometymes
poffeffed with yong people, and perfones vnmeete for that place, vhiche
bringis the Gofple and Miniftree into a contempt, and will ouerturnc all
in end, if it be not remeadit. The planting of it will doe great good to
all the countrey, and help to amend mony thinges amiffe, and procure
great forderance of your Maieftyes feruice and quyat of this kirk, pro-
vyding the perfones be good teachers, peaceably difpofed, and weyll
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 83
affected. I lieare alfo, that your Maieftye is fome quhat moued to haue
me placed there ; bot, Ser, beleefe me, in truth I am not for it, in refpect
of mony thinges in thame, and more in me, vhiche can not concurre
weyll to make vp a good mariage betuix vs. I need not to vfe mony
vordes with your Maieftye, vho knoues vs both alfueyll as our felfis doe.
I mynd, God willing, to teache euery Sabboth, where euer I be, fo long
as I may, and to be readye in moft duetifull maner to concurre in your
Maieftyes feruice, as I falbe employed ; bot to take on the charge of a
particular flock, and fuch ane flock, my heart cannot yeeld, and I hope
your Maieftye fall not burden me with it The bearer hereoff, Mr Peter
Heuat, is ane honeft man, and your Maieftye may reiofe in the planting of
him, being ane of your Maieftyes owne plantation there, and anfuring to
your Maieftyes expectation of him in all pointis, and can truely and fuffi-
ciently informe your Maieftye of all particulars here : Bot he is not, as he
deferues, and as your Maieftye appointed for his encouragement, anfured
of his fmall penfion affigned to him, vhiche is pitie, and wald be helped
to put difference betuix thofe that ar your Maiefties owne men and others.
If Mr Jhone Hall, ane honeft man, and ane of your Maiefties owne plant-
ing alfo, and he war remoued, I wat not vhat fuld become of Edinburgh,
your Maieftyes cheefe Toune her.
Bot leafing thofe particulars, appardone me, Ser, to fpeak ane word
of the common caufe. Ser, at Lighquho, my Lord of Dunbar did
good feruice to your Maieftye, and by God bliffing his vyfe and canny
forme of doing, he prevailed fo as I neuer fawe ane more peaceable
and ordourlye Affemblye in my tyme, bothe in the. progreffe and end,
as it vas, and therefor vas admired and praifed of all in publique fer-
mones and priuat fpeaches. The hope of taking order with Papiftis,
and quyating of diftradtiones amongst our felfes be Conftant Modera-
tors, led all menn ioyfullye your Maieftyes vay, and if that courfe fetled
there be profequute, your Maieftye may affure your felf of pace here
during our dayes ; that is, if Papifts can be keeped vnder be your Ma-
ieftyes authoritie foundlye vfed here, and the Kirk cenfures be fuf-
ferred to haue the awne place against thame, our pace will grow, ill
tongues wilbe filenced, and all thinges will go calmely, to your Maief-
tyes contentment. Your Maieftyes glory hath bene, and is the profeffing
84 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
and manteaning of the Gofple of Jefus Chrift ; and all the vorld fees your
Maiefties multiplyed pracfermentis and praoferuationes to arryfe of the
pnefence of Jefus, the Lord of this Gofple, with you, and to tend to the
prrcferuation and aduancement of it by your Maieftyes prseferuation and
aduancement, tuo thinges infeparably vnited, fence your Maieftye hade
being. " Lat thame, therefor, be compted your enimyes that will not con-
forme thame felfis to it, and God fall contineue his bliffing with your
Maieftye, and croune you with that incorruptible croune of glory in the
end. So moil humblye taking my leefe, I commend your Maiefties
perfone, familye, kingdome, and affairis, to the bleffing of God. From
Edinburgh, this 7 of Apryle 1607.
Tour Maiefties awin raoft humble and
affecSionat feruitour,
To his Maieftie. Mr P. Gallocay.
L.— THE BAILLIES AND COUNCIL OF EDINBURGH TO KING JAMES.
OlJRE MAIST GrATIOUS AND SoUERANE LoRD,
Pleis your Majeftie : We refauet your Majefties fecund letter the
firft of Apryll inftant, requyring ws to direcl; vp wnto your Majeftie
Mr Peter Ewatt, to the effecT; that, efter knawledge of the eftaitt of our
Kirk by him, your Majeftie micht returne bak wnto ws your fpeciall
will and pleafure anent the planting thairof. We refeauet alfo ane
vther letter of befor, for directing of Mr Johne Hall or of him, to the
lame effe6t. Bot becaus that, befor the refaitt thairof, we had direclit
our nychtbouris Thomas Fifchear and William Speir to your Majeftie,
with our fpeciall letter, and with particular informatioun in that mater,
and with our lyttis for the plaices vacand ; and als becaus that Mr
Peter micht not be weill fpairit fra his ordinar calling, we thocht that
our Commiffioners fuld haue bein fufficient to informe your Majeftie in
all things, and in owr name to imbraice your Majefties will and pleafure.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 85
Yit feing it is your Majefties pleafure to haue Mr Peter directit, we haue
glaidlie obeyit, and humblie fnbmittit our felfis to your Majefties defyr,
nocht doubting, bot as your Majeftie lies wnderftand fufficientlie be our
Commiffioners tbe eftaitt of our Toun and Kirk, i'ua your Majeftie will
haue fpeciall regaird that nane fall be plaicet amangis ws in the funclioun
of the Miniftrie bot fie as falbe meitt and qualifiet for the plaice, and
ftandis in your Majefties guide favour. For our pairt, feing your Majes-
tie hes that princelie cair of ws and our eftaitt, we can nocht bot of
dewtie, and in all humilitie, depend vpoun your Majefties guide will and
pleafure in that and all vther things we haue to doe ; quhais content-
ment and fatiffa6tion falbe to ws greitt joy and confort. Sua praying
your Majeftie that our Commiffioners may haue thair reddie depefche
with your Majefties gratious anfuer in that and the reft of our effairs,
we committ your Majeftie to the prote&ioun of the Almichtie. Frome
Edinburgh, this aucht of Apryll 1607. Be
Your Maiefties maift humble and obedient fubjectis,
The Baillies and Counsall of the Burgh
of Edinburgh.
Niniane Makmoran, Baillie.
James Xisbett, Baillie.
James Arnott, Baillie.
Mungo Makcall, Baillie.
To our maift gratious and Souerane Lord,
The Kingis maift excellent Maieftie.
LI.— THE BISHOP OF MURRAY TO KING JAMES.
Sir,
Pleas tour most Excellent Maiestt :
Being perfwadit off your Hicnes care to purge this your Maiefties
kyngdome off all idolatrie, papiftrie, and off all feminareis off fals reli-
80 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
gioun, haiffand your Maiefteis awin command, I apprehendit anc Mefi
preift, called Sir Gilbert Makkee, and lies delyvered him faifflye from thir
North pairtis to my Lord Chancelar off this your Hienes kyngdome.
The man is nocht off any heich rank of feminareis, hot ane preift. It
being the firft ferwice hes fallin in my hand, I humblie craiff your Hienes
pardoun to fuffer me interceid for his lyff at your Maiefteis handis, and
that banefment forth off your Hienes dominions may be his fardeft
cenfure at this tyme, that vtheris of that rank defpare nocht, quhen
occafioun fall offer thame in my handis. Thus, being alwayes readye to
attend your Maiefteis ferwice in any thing quherin I may prowe my
loyalty and fidelitie, I humebly tak leiff, wifching your Hienes a long
and profperous regne heir, and that euerlafting kyngdome heirefter.
Your Hienes moft humill and
obedient fubjedt and feruitour,
Alexander Bischopp of Mtjrraye.
Elgene, the pemdt off Apryle, 1607-
To the Kingis moft Excellent Maieftie.
LII.— KING JAMES TO MR JOHN CAULDCLEUCH.
James R.
Truftie and weilbeloued, We greit you weill. Whereas fomc
fpeciall directions are to be impairted vnto yow and others the Com-
miflioneris of the Generall Affembly, concerning the peace of that
Church, and for planting of fome of the voyde places and churches of
the fame : We haue thought meitt hereby to will and requyre you that,
without anie fubterfuge or delaye whatfoever, yow faile not to be prefent
at Our Pallice of Hallyroodhous the thrid of Junij nixt, to conveyne
with the reft of the Commiffioners, to heir Our will and pleafure in fuch
things which at that tyme are to be impairted vnto yow. And as We
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 87
are affured of the benefyte that fall aryfe to the weill and quyetnes of
that Church, by the profequuting of thefe Our directions, fo we putt no
doubt but that ye, of all others, wilbe loatheft to be abfent from that
meiting, wherein ye fal doe Ys acceptable pleafurc and fervice : And fo
We bid you hartylie farewell. From Our Courte at Whytehall, the thrid
of Maij 1607.
To our truftye and weilbeloued
Mr Johne Cauldcleuch, Minifter.
LIIL— THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
Moist Sacred Souerayne :
Vpoun the laft of Apryle, which wes the dyet appointit to the
Marques of Huntlie anent the affairis of the North Yllis, we had a
lang dealing with him thairanent, wherin he hes gevin ws reafounable
fatiffa&ioun in all that wes demandit of him, except onlie in the year-
lie dewytie '
We looked for the Bifchoppis of Abirdeyne and Murray to this dyet,
according to your Maiefteis dire6tioun fend vnto thame be the Bifchop of
Rofs, bot thay haif boith excufeit thame felffis, the ane be feiknes, and the
other be fome neceffair impedimentis, and fwa be reffoun of thair abfence,
and want of informatioun, we wer conftrayned to fuperfeid all proceding
aganes the Marques anent that poynt of your Maiefteis letter tuicheing his
obedyence to the Kirk ; and, in the meantyme, we haif fend letters to
the Bifchoppis, to fummond the Marques to ony competent day heirefter
thay pleis appoynt, at whiche tyme, yff thay compeir, we fall follow that
courfe whiche your Sacred Maieftie, of your princelie wifdome, hes fwa
1 There are several letters addressed to the King on the subject of the North Isles, both
from the Privy Council and the Marques of Huntley ; whose usual address to the King
is, "your most excellent, most miehtie, and imperiall Majestie ;" and in one place he
refers his case to King James's " more than supernaturall wisdome." But these letters
have no relation to Ecclesiastical affairs.
88 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
gravelie prefcryvit and fctt doun, according to the lyglit and informa-
tioun whichc we fall reffaue of thame.
Your Maiefties liaill directionis anent the difordourlie mifbehaviour of
the Synode of Perth ar difpatcheit, and we fall fee thame reffaue execu-
tioun accordinglie. This is the accompt of oure procedingis at this meet-
ing.1 And fwa rcfting to your Maiefteis anfuer anent the Marques offer
of the yearlie dewytie, we end with oure humble and hairty prayeris to
God, for your Maiefties lang, happy, and profperous reignn. From your
Maiefties Burgh of Edinburgh, the day of Maij 1607.
Your Sacred Maiefteis moift humble and
obedyent fubjeclis and fervitouris,
D. Scone. Al. Cancell8.
Jo. Prestotjn. Lothiane.
Halyrudhous.
To the Kingis moift Excellent Majeftie.
LrV.— THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO THE PRESBYTERY OF CUPAR.
Traist Freyndis :
Efter oure hairtlie commendationis, wheras the Synode of Fyffe
wes appoynted to be haldin and keipit at the Burgh of Dyfert vpone
the firft Twyfday of Junij nixttocome ; in this mcantyme thair is fpe-
ciall dire6tiones come from his Maieftie for a meiting of the Commiffion-
1 It may be noticed, that a loug letter from the Lords of Privy Council to King James,
dated the 26th June 1607, concludes with the following paragraph, which fixes the date
of the two letters of Robert Bruce, which are printed at pages 19 — 21 : —
" According to your Maiesteis directioun, we wryte to Maister Robert Bruce for his
Resolution in the mater of Gowry ; whose ansuer vnto ws, with his awne letter dircctit
vnto your Maiestie, we haif heirwith send vnto your Heynes. And sua craving pardoun
of your Sacred Maiestie for this oure lang letter, we end," &c.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 89
wis of the Generall Afl'embly, and fome vtheris of the Minifterie, to be
haldin and keipit at Haliruidhous, vpoun the thrid day of Junij nixtto-
come, being the morne efter the appoynted dyet for that Synode, alfweill
for planting of the Kirk of Edinburgh, as for findrie vtheris materis
importing the wele and goode of the Kirk, At the whilk meiting of the
Commiffioneris at Halyruidhous, divers of the Minifterie of that Synode,
as alma thefe of his Maieilies Coimfell who ar nominat Commiffionaris
for his Maieftie to that Synode mon neceffarlie be prefent : And feing
boith thir meitingis can not goodlie bald at ane tyme, and that this meit-
ing appoynted be his Maieftie to be keipit at Halyrudhous may not fuf-
fer delay nor continuatioun, we haif thairfoir thoght meit to prorogat and
continew that Synode to the nynt day of Junij nixttocome : And thair-
foir thefe ar to requeift and defyre you to conforme your felffis to his
Maiefteis will, and to the dire6tioun of his Maiefteis Coimfell, in this
mater, and that yee direct no Commiffionaris, nor go not your felffis to
the faid Synode at the firft appoynted dyet, bot that yee fuffer that dyet
to defert, and await the occafioun of the nixt dyet, as yee refpecl; his Ma-
iefties obedyence and pleafour, and will anfuer vpoun the contrarie, at
the heicheft perrell : And fua we commit you to God. Frome Edin-
burgh the xxj day of Maij 1607.
Your affured goode freyndis,
Hammilton.
Cathnes.
To our moft traift Freyndis, the Abekcorne.
Moderator and Brethrene of the Eoss.
Prefbiterie of Coupar. J. Secretar.
LV.— THE BISHOPS TO THE EARL OF DUNBAR.
Pl.EIS YOl'R LORDSCHIP I
Our bowndin dewtie hairtilie rememberit, efter the dimiffing of
the reft of Commiffioneris, quhen we haid tane ordour for the plant-
Hi
90 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
ing of Edinburgh and the kirkis of the banifit Bretherein, according to
his Maieftie his direeliounis, fa far as cold be done at this dyet, we wer
affemblit apairt with my Lord Prsefident, quho having maid ws ample
relatioun of the conftancie of his Maieftcis gratiows affechoun towardis
ws and ewerie ane of ws, and of his princelie and fatherlic cair toward
the fatling of ane folid ordour within this Kirk, for the ftrengthning of
the Gofpel, and repreffing of the pryd and plattis of the aduerfareis ; and
having lykwayis fchawin ws quhat confidence his Maieftie haid in ws for
the forderance of his godlie intentiounis, and in his Maiefteis name ex-
horting and ftering ws wp to fie ane cairfulnes and diligence in al the
pairtis of this miniftrie and credit, as that we myght be abil thairby, ac-
cording til owr dewtie, to be anfuerabil to this his Maiefties guid expec-
tatioun of ws, we can nocht fufficientlie expres quhat mater of ioy it wes
til our hairtis, and of thankfgiving wnto God ; and quhat ane fpur to
fervencie and fordwartnes in our callingis ; in fie fort, that evin then we
refoluit, befoir our diffolving, to conclud and condifcend wpon the belt
and maift effectual cowrfe that myght forder this fervice, with folemne
atteftatiounis that we find nocht be fownd in ony wayis remifs, fa far as
it fuld plcis the Lord to enable ws, and affift be his grace. Quhairanent
we mon confes my Lord Prajfident l hes bein wnto ws a verie great help,
alfweil in laying down the groundis of our procedingis, as in ftering ws
wp to panefulnes and diligence ; fo that we cannot but giwe his Maieftie
hairtlie thankis for employing fo meit ane inftrument to affift owr guid
cowrfis in your Lordfchips abfence. In fpecial we haue agreit, that the
hail countrey being devydit in pairtis according til our number, everie
ane of ws fal haue ane fecreit overfight and cair of ane feueral pairt, and,
without refpeci of travelis or expenfis, we falbe cairful, from owk til owk,2
til informe owr felfis perfytlie anent the eftait, a6Hounis, and plattis of al
the Prefbitereis and Paftoris within the boundis of the pairt committit
til euerie ane of ws, and euerie fex weikis, anis at the leift, and ofter3 pro
re nata, we haue appoyntit to keip ane meting of the hail number, or of
the maift pairt of ws, quhair we intend to communicat our intelligence
mutuallie, and to confult wpon the maift expedient way to diffipat and
1 Lord Balmerino. ! From owk til owk, week to week. 3 Ofter, oftner.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 91
fruftrat the plattis and purpofis of the turbulent, that the guid and
peaciable be nocht ouerthrowin nor difcouragit, not thair calme and
godlie courfis interruptit ; and, as we find any occafioun of importance,
your Lordfchip falbe aduertifit thairof, Godwilling, from our faid metingis,
for his Maiefties informatioun. By and atouer this general, we haue,
with lang deliberatioun, confidderit quhat is maift requifit for his Ma-
iefteis fervice, and the weil of the Kirk, to be done concerning this nixt
Affemblie ; and as we find his Maieftie hes thoght it requifit that the
fame be continowit for ane certane tyme, fa haue we all fein evidentlie
the neceffitie thairof, and thairfoir wiflis the intimatioun of the faid con-
tinuatioun to be publifit by Proclamatioun, according as his Maieftie
hes determinit, and the cawffis of the continuatioun to be, as heir is
fubfcryvit, in this or the lyk narratiwe :
Fokalsmekil as His Maieftie, wnderftanding quhat great inconve-
nientis the diffentiounis amongis the Miniftrie within this kingdome
broght with thame, to the hinderance of the progres of the Gofpel,
the difhonour of thair profeffioun, and ftrengthning of the hand of
the enimey, hes thairfoir, of his princelie and fatherlie cair and affec-
tioun toward the promotioun of the Gofpel, and weil of this Kirk, af-
feyit mony and diueris meanis to quenche al fyre of divifioun among
the faid Miniftrie, and reduce thame to the vnitie of ane mynd and
affe6tioun ; and at laft appoyntit ane graue, frequent, and frie Af-
femblie, to be holdin at Lythgow, in December laft, of ane great
number of the maift godlie, zealous, and weil affeclit of the Nobilitie,
Counfail, and Barronis, from all the diueris pairtis of the countrey,
as alfo of the maift learnit, godlie, wyfe, graue, and of beft experience
of the miniftrie, from al the Prefbiteries in great number ; be quhais
travelis, cair, and wifdome, everie occafioun and pretext of greif wes in
fie godlines and moderatioun remouit, that as his Maieftie fand thairin
contentment, fo wes al the Conclufiounis of the faid Affemblie paffit with
great applaus, and for a tyme great thankis to God and prafis givin to
his Maieftie publictlie in the maift famous congregatiounis of the hail
countrye, with great expectatioun that from that furth, throwgh the
keiping of the Conclufiounis of the faid Affemblie, nathing fuld be found
in the Metingis of the Miniftrie but vnitie, peace, and lowe. Quhair-
92 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
wpon it wes agreit and concludit, by his Maiefteis warrand and allow-
ance, that the nixt General Affemblie fuld convein and hold at
Halirndhowfe, the laft Twyl'day of Julie nixtocum : But finding the
event fo contrarious til al that wes appearand and lookit for, and that
throwgh the bufines of fum evil difpofit, turbulent, and contentious
fpreittis, the godlie procedingis of the faid Affemblie ar traducit and
browght in contempt; and in diueris places na obedience, but plane
oppofitioun and refiftance maid to the Actis thairof ; quhairthrow not
onlie thair is caws of offence givin to his Maieftie, bot likwayis fie dif-
traetiounis and exacerbatioun of myndis enterit amongis the Minifteris,
as culd bring na wther effectis bot fie as fuld be ane henderance to the
Gofpel, ane fklander and occafioun of forder divifioun and ftryf amongis
thamfelfis, and ane confirmatioun of the aduerfareis, incais any General
Affemblie of tham fuld be holdin befoir that fum dew and lawful prepa-
ratioun wcr firft maid for removing of thair diftra&iounis, and bringing
of thame to ane harmony of myndis ; for effectuating quhairof, his
Maieftie hes found it expedient that the hail Provincial Affembleis
within the cuntrey fuld be holdin at thair ordinarie places of meting
the day of Auguft nixt, and that in euerie ane of the faid Affem-
bleis thair be chofin tway of the maift godlie, peaceable, wyfe, graue,
and of beft experience, with power and commiffioun to convein at Ha-
lirudhous the day of nixtocum, with the remnant
Commiffioneris of the provinces, and with the Commiffioneris of the
General Affemblie, and fie of his Maiefteis Counfail as it fal pleis his
Maieftie to nominat for* that effe6t ; and thair to confer, reafoun, and
conclud, with comoun advyfe, wpon the maift convenient remedeis
aganis the evilis that, throwgh laik of fufficient preparatioun, myght
fal owt at the faid General Affemblie ; that thaircfter the Affemblie
may be holdin and kepit in fie ane peaciable and godlie maner as
myght bring ane trew comfort to the godlie, and ane terror to the
wikit : And in the meantyme, that the General .Affemblie quhilk wes
at Lythgow appoyntit to be holdin at Halyroudhowfe the laft Twyfday
of Julie, be continowit till the day of nixtocum ; and
that na perfoun prefume to keip the faid Affemblie, quhill firft this pre-
paratioun haue paffit befoir.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 93
Wpon this or the lyk narrative,1 bearing the lame caufis, the charge
in the Proclamation wald be foundit. Quhat lies bein done be ws and
the reft of the Commiffioneris anent the planting of the Kirk of Edin-
burgh, and the kirkis of the Bretheren that ar banifit, as lykvvayis in
the Vifitatioun of the Vniuerfitie of San6tandrois, we remit til owr wther
letteris fend wp in this packit. So praying earneftlie to God for the
lang continowance of your Lordfhips guid eftait, and incres of all bliff-
ingis, we humblie tak our leive, and refts,
Your Lordfhips verie affurit to the
wttermoift of thair poweris,
Ross. Cattnes. Sanctandrois.
Breichin. Ax. Yles.
Haliruidhows, the awcht of June 1607 yeir.
To my honourabill guid Lord, The Earle of Downbar.
LVI.— THE BISHOP OF ROSS TO KING JAMES.
Pleis your Maiestie :
Sehortlie efter my haim cuming, I delyuerit your Hines letter to
my Lord Comptroller, quha gifis me geud anfueris, and iayis, he will
fatiffie your Maiefties defyre anent this penfioun of Feme ; as alio your
Majefties vther letter to my Lord Chancelour about the gift of the
Thridis of Rofs. I find ther will be great oppofitioun, becaus, as is
allegit, it hes bein at all tymis the fie of the Clerk of the Colle&orie,
and your Maieftie hes difponit that office, with the fie pertening therto,
' A Proclamation to the above effect, " proroguing the General Assembly indicted
at Linlithgow to be halden at Halyrudhous, the last Tuesday of July," was accordingly
issued. It is dated at Greenwich, 24th May [June] 1007 ; and Calderwood says it was
proclaimed at the Cross of Edinburgh, on the penult of June. — (History, vol. vi. p. G03.)
94 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
to Mr Jhonc Droumond.1 I teuk aduyfe of my Lord Aduocat, quhom
I find veric willing to do quhat he can to folder your Maiefties geud
intentioun. He fciris, gif the aclioun cum in befor the Seffioun, it will
gang againft me, and therfor thinkis beft, feing ther is yit rcftis of the
Thridis in the Colle&ours handis, that fa mekill may be taikin therof as
may reafonablie ferae the laid office, and that it micht pleis your Maieftie,
be your letter, to fignifie the fam to the Chancelour. I meift heumble
gif thankis to your Maieftie, for the geud remembrance of my petitioun,
for the fatiffactioun of my Lord of Killofs, for liis tak of Tarbett, and I
am informit that now the heill is in your Hienes handis ; and the gentill
woman, that baith my Lord of Obenzie and I did for, is willing to gif
ane reafonable deutie for reneuing of hir takis, without diminution of
the rentell. Leaning to trouble your Maieftie vith farder, my daylie
prayer fall be, to craiue ane lang and profperous incres, vith the fauorable
protection of God to your Hienes. From Leith, this 17 of Junij [1607.]2
Your Maiefties maift heumble fubiect,
To the Kingis Maieftie. Ross.
LVIL— THE BISHOP OF THE ISLES TO KING JAMES.
Please your Sacrede Maiestie :
As laitlie I caufed prefent to your Hienes, according to my bund
deutie, the prefent eftait of your Maiefties Weft Ylandis, togidder with
the cauffis of the inordinat leving of that pepill, as I learned the fame
1 The " Ratificatioun of Master John Drummond, Servitor to Alexander Earl of Duiu-
fermling, of his office of Clerkship," was confirmed by Parliament, on the 9th July 160G.
—(Acta Pari. Scot., vol. iv. p. 319.)
! This letter has been placed under the year 1G07, as it probably was the favourable
answer from the King to this request that drew forth the Bishop's acknowledgment, on the
1 7th September, that year : See No. LXVIII. The Annexation of Feme to the Bishop-
rick of Ross, was afterwards confirmed by an Act of Parliament, 24th June 1609.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 95
to be of treuth, bothe be ficht and experience : So now, beiring that
your Maieftie wes moved to doubt of the veritie of fum aflertiones in
that my letter, albeit a litill tyme lies and will try farther the vndoubted
treuth of everie poynt thairof ; yit I maift humblie befeik your Maieftie,
that if your Hienes miftruft any thing writtin be me, that it may pleafe
vour Maieftie to lat the treuthe of the famyne be tryed, ather in your
Hienes awin prefens, or ellis be fick Commiflionaris as fall pleafe your
Maieftie appoynt, before whome, I think, God willing, being requyred
to lat the treuthe be knowne, and, if it fall feme expedient to your
Maieftie, fall mak manifeft ma cauflis of the prefent mifordour of that
peopill, and the rieht way by the which experience fall prove the fame
falbe maift eafilie remeadit, and thefe folkis put to that pace and refor-
matioun which your Maieftie craves. As to the remede of my inhablit
eftait, I refer it to that cairfull regaird which your Maieftie lies evir had
of all your fervandis, and fpecialie of our calling, and to the humble fute
inaid to your Maieftie be my Bretheren. Praying the Father of Licht
to mak the treuthe till appeir to your Maieftie in all thingis, and to
preferue your Eoyall perfoun from danger of bodie and faule, with the
bleffing of a long and profperous regne.
Your Maiefties albeit vnworthie yit
maift addi&it oratour and fervand,
Edinbrugh, the xxvij of Junij 1607. An. Isles.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
LVIII.—THE PRIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Souekayne,
According to your Maiefteis dire&ioun, we haif examined
Mckie the preift, firft be our felffis, vpoun fuch groundis, prefumptionis,
and conftru&ionis as we could collect and gadder for the difcouerie of
96 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
his doingis; and now fenfyne, be the concurrence and presence of the
Bifchop of Murray, vpoun fuche informationis and groundis as he layod
doun vnto ws, and vpoun certane obfcure and ambiguous fentenceis
fpecifcit in twa of his writtingis produceit be the Bifchop : The ane
writtin to his Generall in Rome, and the vther to Maifter Robert Abir-
crumby. We haif heinvith fend vnto your Sacred Maieftie his dcpofi-
tionis, that, efter confideratioun thairof, it may pleis your Heynes gif
direftioun to your Maiefteis Counfell what forder your Maieftie Avill haif
to be done with him. He is ane fimpill, ignorant man, conftant in his
awne errour, hot no pra6tizair nor bufy body, fa fer as we can leirne or
try of him. Alwayes remitting him to your Maiefteis princelie cenfure,
and remembering our dewtifull affe&ioun to vndergo whatfomeuir burdyne
or feruice it fall pleis your Sacred Maieftie lay vpoun ws, we end, with
oure hairty prayeris to God for your Maiefteis lang, happy, and profper-
ous reignn. Frome your Maiefteis burgh of Edinburgh, the thrid day of
Julij 1607.
Your Maiefteis moift humble and obedyent
fubiedtis and fervitouris, &c.
S. Johne Skene. Lothiakk.
Jo. Prestoun.
To the Kingis moift Excellent Maieftie.
LIX.— THE BISHOP OF GALLOWAY TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Souerane :
May it pleis your moft Excellent Maieftie : My Lord Marques of
Hammiltoun refawing of lait ane letter from your Henes, acquentit me
thairwith, fchawing to me that, as his Lordfhip haid moft hut caufe to
rander hartlie and humbill thankis to your Maieftie, fo cairfull of hime,
leeft to your Henes faworabill prote6Hone be my Lord his wmquhill
father, of guid memorie, (ane, I man fay, of the moft faithfull and after-
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 97
tionat quha ewer farwit your Maieftie), fo haid his Lordfliip occafione to
marwell of your Henes motiwe to direct fpeciale for his Lordfhips com-
panie in his traweling out of the cuntrie, as if thair haid beine ane caufe
to fufpecl; any of thois gentilmen quha war to farwe his Lordfliip, fpe-
cialie in than- religione. His Lordfliip afldt me, if I haid any futche
motioun quhan I reparit laft towardis your Maieftie. I afl'urit his
Lordfliip, as the treuthe was, thair was no futche fpeitche ; hot that in
my laft fpeitche to your Henes concerning my Lord Marques, I re-
folwit your Maieftie of his Lordfhips refolutione conftantlie to keipe his
groundis, in this following the wurthie exampill of his Lordfhips wm-
quhill Father ; firft, faithfullie to ferwe his God, nixt, in all loyaltie, your
Henes. His Lordfliip judgeine than your Maieftie to haif beine iwil
informit of his Lordfliips felf, as alfo of thois gentilmen quha war to be
with his Lordfliip, be fum biffie bodeis, enemies to his Lordfliip, defyrit
me erneftlie (as yeit refident Minifter heir, and ane quhais dewtie was
to witnes the trewthe), wpon certan knawledge and trayell, efter con-
ference and wtharwayis alfo, boithe of his Lordfliips awin difpofitione,
and thair affectione to the religione profeffit prefentlie, to purge his
Lordfliip of that quhilk he accomptis as fpeciall, of any fufpitione in his
Lordfliips religione. It is ane mater of gryt and juft greif to his Lord-
fliip that any, bowbeit malicius and partecular, fould haif in his reli-
gione, without caufe, taxit his Lordfliip, or gewin your Henes any
occafione to fufpecl his Lordfliip. God willing, his Lordfliips conftancie
in his abfence, togither with his Lordfhips religius behawior, fall con-
wince thois mifreporteris ; and I houpe the Kirk of God heir fall haif
occafione to praife God for his Lordfliip. The twa gentilmen tchofine
to be with his Lordfliip, Sir Jhone Hammiltoun and Robert Cuninghame,
art approwin men, quha lies to my felf often confeffit in conference that
his Lordfliips gryteft honor, quha reftis now with God, [was] his conftancie
in the profeflione of the trew religione, quhilk maid the Loird wifible to
blifs hime and his Lordfliips houfe. Thir gentilmen art affeclionat to
your Maiefties farwice and obedience, and loivaris of my Lord Marques,
bothe in faull and bodie. I houpe my witniffng of the trewthe, wpon
certain knawledge, fal prewaill at your Henes handis, quha hes newer
beine accuftomit to conclamne any wpon the firft repoirt, fpeciale quhair
N
OS ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
thair was nether warrant! nor apperance. The yong Nobilman hime
felf waild be your Maiefties letter be incuragit. Thus daly frome my
hart praying for helthe, profperitie, and longe lyfe to your Henes, frome
God, I reft,
Your Maiefties moft humbill ferwitor
and daly orator,
Hammiltoun, the 12 of July 1607. B. Galloway.
To the King his moft Sacreid Maieftie.
LX.— THE AKCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES VI.
Sacred Souerane,
May [it] pleis your moft Excellent Maieftie : I am bald to pro-
pone my aduyfe to your Maieftie, that fince now thair is ane Parliament,
and your Maieftie hes thocht meit be degreis to accomplifche your Ma-
iefteis juft defignament anent our Kirk Pollicie, that fome progres may
be maid at this prefent ; the fume quhairof I refer to thefe two Articulis
which I haif indyted, and fend to your Hyenes, that thefe may be ina&ed
in this your Hyenes Parliament. I prefume thus to impafche your
Maieftie, that no occafione of advantage may be flipped ; and I wald wifs
that your Maieftie wald returne direclioun of thefe two Articulis with all
poflibill expeditione.
I reffauit from your Maieftie ane direclioun anent Mr William Scott,
Minifter at Cowpar, that the Bifchop of Dunkeld, the Lord of Scone,
and I, fuld report to your Maieftie, quhidder his prefens heir micht
be beneficiall to the peace of the Kirk and your Hyenes fervice, that
thairvpone your Maieftie mycht prorogat his licence of abyding heir
vpone our gude reporte. Sir, if I hade bene put in truft allone, 1
wold be bold to returne my feruice; for I proteft I ftand in awe of
none, bot of God and the Kinge. My Lord of Dunkeld is feik and
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 99
bedfaft; the Lord of Scone is thair. I prefume, in thair abfence,
moft hovmblie vpone my knees, to beg of your Maieftie, that fince Mr
William Scot is come thither, he may haif of your Maieftie prorogatioun
of his remaning heir till fome reafonable day, that may gif occafioun to
ws to explore his difpofitioun and vfeage in fuche fort as we may gif
vpone good grundis in fumcient report to your Hyenes, which may
moue your Maieftie to continuew him heir, or remove him. Thus, for
the prefent, it may pleis your Hyenes to gif him a Superfidere in write,
with fuche confyning as your Hyenes thinkis meitteft for ane vntryed
man. Sir, I yarne to fie the day quhairin the veritie of Kirk Governa-
ment may be difcuffed, and explaned to the Eftates of this Kingdome,
quhairin I offer no les preff then my place is ; and this I think the fitteft
meane for fetling the eftate of this Kirk. I hoomelie tak my leve, and
with all affeetione recommendis that facred perfoun, in bodye, faull,
and gouernament to Goddis his grace and bleffed protectione, and fall
remane,
Pleis your Maiestie, send prpceise Your Maiefteis moft hoomeble and
<li.-ectioun anent the ranking of the moft 0bedient fervand and orator, .
Archbischopes with the Nobilitie, and
<>f the Bischopes, and to gif orclour,
in the auld Scottische forme, or Ing- SaNCTANDROIS.
lische maner, as your Maiesteis in-
comparabill wisdome sail command as
fittest.
St Androis, 20 Julij 1607.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
LXI MR ROBERT HOWYE, PRINCIPAL OF THE NEW COLLEGE
ST ANDREWS, TO KING JAMES.
Sacrade Soverane,
May it pleafe your moft Excellent Maieftie, as no thing hath bene
inoir deir to me, nixt God, then your Maiefties royall perfoun, eftait,
l'OO ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
and the furtherance of your Maiefties wyfe and princely defignamentis
in our Church Guvernernent, quhairin I haue nocht only followed your
Maieftie in all fincerity (nochtwithftanding of any mifconftru6tioun in
the contrar, which I hope God, in his owne tyme, will difclofe), hot alfo
the licht of God, and of my owne confeience : fo I haue, at your Maiefties
dirccl;ioun and commandement, vndirtakin this Proveftrie of the New
College,1 a wark full of difncultie and invy, wherin I have no affured ftay,
but your Maiefties onchengeabill favour and countenance to me, fo long
as I continew your Maiefties faithfull fervand. My cafe wes quyett and
welthie, eftir the fafoun of this cuntrie. Now, the zeale of your Hienes
feruice hath enforced me to forfaik my calme, and to committ me to the
hazard of moft violent tempeftis. Sir, for my honeft fervice done, and
to be done, I crave no moir, bot that your Maieftie will command that I
may haue forcnall furety of this place, according to the common ordour,
and nocht to be a vicar or a deput for ane interim, fince my hart is de-
voted, bothe in my owne a6tiones and in informatioun of this Seminarie of
the youth, the promotioun of your Maiefties honour, eeftimatioun, and
feruice, with moft vpricht affeclioun. And, Sir, I will nocht diffembill
to your Maieftie, I will be moir frak and fordward to tak hazard in your
Hienes feruice, when I have ane formall provifioun, then when I have
only a chengeabill place.2 Thus, referring to your Maiefties incomparable
wifdom, to gif ordour to my Lord Archbifhope of St Androis (whome I
prefent as my furety in the premifies), and remanent Vifitouris ; I befeeche
God blis your Maiefties moft excellent perfoun, eftait, and progenie, for
ever more, and fall remane
Your Maiefties moft humble
fervand and devoted oratour,
Edr 9 Aug" 1607. M. Robert Hovye.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
1 Howye had been translated from Dundee to St Andrews to succeed Andrew Melville,
who was then confined in the Tower of London, and was afterwards banished to France.
2 See infra, p. 118, and Calderwood's History, vol. vi. p. GC8, respecting the terms of
Howye's induction as Principal of the New College, St Andrews.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 101
LXIL— THE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS TO KING JAMES.
Sire,
Vpon the end of this Seffioun of Parliament, we met togither,
and in advyfing of fuche thingis as belonge to the profequutionn of your
Maiefties fervice, in the effairis of the Churche, we fel vpon two or thre
particularis that requyre your Maiefties awyfe and gracioufe confidera-
tioun. A warrand hes ben prefentit from your Hienes to reform the
Commiffio'un grantit in the laft Parliament for modefeing of conftant
ftipendis to the ereclit churchis, quhiche is fo takin as if your Maieftie
wald haif fum two mo of the Noblemen ekit to the Commiffioun, and
the number of the Temporal and Spiritual State maid vnequal. Albeit
the occafioun of this, aryfing of the Erie of Montroffe his feiknes, qho
wes then one of the Quorum, it apperis to ws, that your Hienes inten-
tioun is onlie to remuif the impediment quhiche that worke might refaif
throw his difeafe, or the lyk incident, and to haif one of the thre nomi-
nated in the warrand, to fill his rowm, and, incace of thair abfence or
feiknes, another to fupply the place, and fo the worke to go fordward.
At the firft, we opponit as we culd, fchewing how vnreafonable it wes to
vrge our confent in the alienatioun of the Teindis from the Churche perpe-
tuallie, and to content fo mony Churchis with a final provifioun to every
of tham out of the fam, beyond quhiche no thing culd be heirafter defyrit ;
and not to admit ane equal number of ws in the making of this bargain ;
but being ftraitit be the warrand, we haif yeildit to the forming of a
commiffioun according thairto, and referrit the interpretatioun of the
fam to your moft Sacred Maieftie, quhiche we ar aflurit wilbe maift
favorable and beninge towardis ws ; for nether feik we to mak your
Maiefties grant ineffectual to ony that wil perform the conditiounis pro-
mifit, nor haif we fchewit our felfis ony way vnreafonable in the modifi-
catioun intendit, but haif offerit, and yit cfferis, to accept ony mean
provifioun that falbe fund fufficient to entertaine a minifter at euery
Churche, according to the qualitie thairof : And if we falbe fund to do
otherwyfe, we ar humblie to fubmit our felfis to your Maiefties cenlure,
102 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1G07.
and content to loffe that credit quhiche we haif of your Hienes, quhairof
we falbe, with Godis helpe, more carfull, than of our lyfis. But qhat
reafoun we haif to he circumfpecl; in this bufines, no man living knowis
fo wel as your Maiefties felf, qhofe care towardis the Churche, and the
releif of the povertic and beggerlie eftait of our Miniftrie, lies fo many
wayis apperit, that the pofteritie wil judge this to haif ben not the leaft
parte of our happines, vnder your Hienes, our moil gracioufe Lord and
Soveraigne.
Now, Sir, forafmuche as this Modificatioun is differrit to the firft of
November nexte, and this our advertifment is maid only to prevent the
infonnatiounis that might be in our preiudice, we humbly intreat your
Maieftie to continew al furder dire&iounis in this erand, to the tym that
your Hienes, be fum one of our number, be more particularly informit
of thofe materis. And becaufe we hear, to our grit forow, that Mr
James Nicolfoun, Bifchop of Dunkeld, is not likly to recover of his
feiknes, we befeche your Maieftie to kepe the place to fum one that,
with al our advyfes, falbe thoght fitteft to fil it, in cace of his deceafe ;
for albeit we fal not find any that is able to fupplie it, qhen we remem-
ber his Angular giftis ; yit, Sir, as we tender the fervice, fo mult wc
be fet to choyfe him that is fitteft, we fuld fay, Sir, to prefent, in al
humblenes to your Maieftie, him qhom we wold think fitteft to be pre-
ferrit be your Maieftie to that rowm. We ar furder to entreat your
Highnes in the behalf of Mr Robert Wallace,1 that be your Maiefties
gracioufe favoure, he may be permittit to return to his paroche of Tra-
nent, and vnder conditioun that he fal in his fermonis no way medle with
any thing twiching the eftait, nor otherwyfe muif any vnquyetnes in the
Churche, be fufferit to teache thair, and remain, confynit, during your
Maiefties gud plefure. Pleife your Maieftie, we ar drawin to this inter-
ceffioun vpon fpecial promifis of tham that, we truft, lies credit to perform.
And for that qhiche reftis, Sir, as we al vpon our kneis do render to
your Maieftie moft humble and heartie thankis for your Hienes conftant
and vnchangeable favour towardis ws, your vnworthie. fervantis, fo do we
promife, with all dutiful aftectioun, vnanimlie to go on in your Maiefties
' Wullr.ec was one of the eight ministers who were called to the Conference at Hamil-
ton Court, in September 1606. See supra, pp. 59—67.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 103
fervice, without regard of our felfis, or ony inconvenient quhatfumevir,
fo as we pray the Almyghtie to bleffe your Highnes with a longe and
profperoufe reigne, and reftis,
Your Maiefties moft humble
and obedient fervantis,'
Murray. Sanctandrois.
Pleis your Maiestie, my Lord of Abirden GALLOWAY. GLASGOW,
hes satisfeit ws al abundantlie.s DuNBLANEN. AbiRDEIN.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
LXIII — THE BISHOP OF ABERDEEN TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Soverane,
It may pleafe your moft Excellent Maieftie : Vpon the hard in-
formatioun which your Maieftie receaved anent my cariage in the effairis
of the Church and your Maiefties fervice, it pleafed your Maieftie to
direct the Counfall to call me to my compt ; which I with verie gude
will, in all humilitie, gave to my Lordis Chancellar and Prefident, with
the grytteft number of the Bifchopes heir affembled, to whome, I hope,
I haue gevin fuch fatiffa6tioun as will liberat me from any wilfull offence.
And if I have nocht (beand now of goode eage and infirm) vtered fick
fordwardnes as the prefent fervice requyres, I mynd, by the grace of God,
to be cairfull to pleafe your Maieftie, and ferue in this calling, with als
goode hart and affectioun, as any of my equalis, according to the mea-
' This letter is wholly in Spottiswood's handwriting. It has no date, but the reference
to Nicolson, Bishop of Dunkeld, who died on the IGth August 1607, serves to fix the
date. It is indorsed : — " B.B. anent ane Commissione giwen for modificatione of Sti-
pendes to ministeris : anent the filling of Mr James Niecolsones pleace of the Bischoprick
of Dunkeld."
1 Mr Peter Blaekburne : see the following letter.
104 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1007.
fure of grace and habilitie God lies bellowed vpon me. And as at this
prefent Parliament I haue nocht bene deficient in any goode feruiee, fua
your Maiellie may expect of me that, in all feruiceis competent to my
place, I will refufe no burding that my mene habilitie is habill to accom-
plifli. Thus the God everlefting blis your Maieftie in perfoun, eftait,
and guvernement for evir, and fall remane,
Tour Maiefteis moft humble fervand
and affe&ioned oratour,
To his moll Sacred Maieftie. Petib, Bischop of Aberdein.1
LXIV — THE EABL OF ABERCORNE TO KING JAMES.
It m ay pleis your moist Sacred Maiestie :
Haueing reffavit your Hienes letter about the 24 of Julij, com-
manding me to attend the Synode of Clyddifdaill, the fourt of Auguft,
quhilk being continewit to the 18 be reaffone of the Parliament, I did
direcl my particular letters to everie Prelbyterie, willing thame folemplie
to keip the fyft of Auguft with their flockis, gifing thankis to God (as
moift juftlie we haid all reaffoune, in memorie of fua grit ane bliffing as
God, in his mercie, did grant wnto ws all your Maiefteis fubjedtis), by
your Hienes happie prefervatioun frome that abhominabill and moift
treafonabill Confpiracie at Perth ; quhilk thay moift willinglic obeyit.
Alfo, I cauffit this haill countrey (fpeciallie thefe quhome off I haid com-
mandement, off all Eftaittis) mak fyreis of joy, with all wther lauchfull
takynnis off glaidnes. The 18 day, according to your Maiefteis direc-
tioun, I did keip the Synode convenit at Glafgw, and requyreit thame,
accoirding to the Acl; at Lynlythgew (quhilk I produceit, and cauffit reid
wnto thame), that thay wald admit the Archebifchope of Glafgw thair
1 This letter is indorsed, — " Blaikburne B. of Abirdein excusses him selfe for his
bypast slaknes in his Maiesties serwyce, and promisses greater fraknes in tymes
cuming." — The postscript to the preceding letter, enables us to assign the date of thi>
letter to August 1G07.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 105
Moderator ; quhairinto, in the beginning, thay maid greit oppofitioun,
allecjeinor the Act nocht to have bene concludit in forme, as was thair
gifin out, and that the Moderators of Prefbytereis wer aggreit vpoun, to
continew for a tyme in the perfounes of thame that wer thair nominat ;
bot that of the Moderatione of Synoddis no thing haid bene fpokin.
Quhairunto I replyeit, that to be ane accufatioun of honeft men, namelie,
the Moderator and Clerk of the Affemblie, wnder quhais handis the
fame wes extractit, quhilk being verefeit, wald mak them infamous, and
put thair lyffis in your Maiefteis handis : Thairfoir, giff onie wald di-
rectlie allege it to be fals, and tak wpone him the improbatioun of the
fame, I wald, according to my place and power grantit to me be your
Maieftie, mak thame faft wntill thay maid gude thair perfuite and alle-
geance. Quhairupoun thai fell frome the faid challenge, and defyreit a
continewatioune of materis to fum fchort dyet, that thai mycht be advyffit
quhat to do. But I denyit onie fie pouer to be gevin me be your Ma-
ieftie ; and that I wald nocht go ane poynt beyond my directiounes. So
as, in end, fynding thame felffis ftraittit with a prefent aunfuer, and have-
ing fignifeit to thame quhat command I haid for denunceing thame
rebellis, and diffolving the Synode in cais of difobedience, thay put foure
of thair number vpoune the lyttis, and the Archebyfchope being reinovit
by him felff, the queftioun wes movit, quhidder thai wald accept him
according to your Maiefteis defyre, or proceid to the electioun of ane of
thair awin lyttis, as thai haid bene accuftomeit. The haul Synode (tua
onlie exceptit), voittit to his acceptatioun. The tua wer Maifter William
Simfoun, minifter of Dunbartan, and Mr Edward Bryce, minifter at
Drymmen. Mr William Simpfoun departit from the Affemblie quhen he
faw the admiffioun to proceid, with thir wordis, " That he wald nocht
remaine in Affemblie that was moderatit be ane Byfchop," and went
away, without returning. This endit, and the Archebyfchop haueing
acceptit the Moderatioun of the Synode, chois wes maid of tua of thair
number to keipe the Colloque at Halyrudhous the firft of September,
namelie, Mr Johnne Hay and Mr William Birney. Inquirie wes alfo
maid of the diligence of the Prefbytereis in the perfewing of Papiftis,
according to your Hienes ordinance ; and quhat remainnit in thair cenfures
amangis thame felffis, and wtheris thair affaires, wes with greit calmnes,
o
106 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1G07.
and an wniverfall lykeing of all that number, fo handillit, that the moilt
fcrupulous amangeft thame wer verie weill fatisfeit, and na Affemblie this
lang tyme keippit in better ordonr, to all thair contentmentis ; and that
fpeciallie. be the Archbychop, then Moderator, his prudent and grave go-
vernement ; fwa that heirefter I hoipe, quhair thair falbe fuche eftablifched
to rewll and moderat wnder your Maieftie, your Hienes, in all tymes
heirefter, fall nocht haue neceffitie of Commiffioners, hot raipe the frute
of your Maiefties langfum travellis. I pray God furnifche to your Ma-
ieftie mony lyke to him, haueing equall knawledge, with no les affec-
tioune. As for my felff, it has fua pleifit God (nochtwithftanding of my
waiknes) to blis your Maiefteis litle fervices at all tymes committed by
your Hienes to my charge, that it lies emboldnit me to offer my felff of
new, with no les affectioun, nor onie your Maiefteis fubiect, to quhatfum-
ever fervice I falbe habill to difcharge, beleifing thair falbe found verie
few, or nane, to withftand your Maiefties commandementis that ar ever
fein to be godlie and moift reafonabill. It may pleis your Maieftie to par-
done me, iff I do feme over prolixt to your Hienes in this letter. The
defyre I haue to giff compt of all, conforme to the treutb, is my beft
excuifs. I haue alfo heirwith 1'ent to your Hienes the extract of the A6t.
Thus, beging at God to your Maieftie lang dayeis, with incres of all hap-
pines, and full accomplifchement to your Hienes greatteft contentment
of all your Graces moift princelie defignes, I remaine for ever,
Your Maiefteis moift humbill, obedient,
and affe&ionat fubject and fervitoure,
Blakiftoun, the 26 off Auguit 1607. Abercorne.
To his moift Sacred Maieftie.
LXV— THE BAILLIES AND COUNCIL OF EDINBURGH TO KING JAMES.
OUR MA1ST GRACIOUS SOUERAINE LoRU,
As we haue ewer beine bund to your Maiefties feruice beyond
mony vther of your Maiefties fubie&is, for the Angular cair your Ma-
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 107
ieftie hes ewer haid, baith prefent and abfent, of our eftait and weilfair,
Swa we haue maift fpeciall caus to rander your Maieftie maift humble
feruice and thankls for the particular cair of plantatioune of our Kirk
with fufficient Paftouris. According to the quhilk it pleafed your Ma-
ieftie to caus ws direcl; oiu* letters to Mr Gilbert Prymrois, minifter at
Burdeauxe, authorizit with your Maiefties particular letter to him ; with
the quhilk we reffauit our anfuer fra him of his guidwill thairto, defyring
onlie ane continuatioune to ane Conventioune of the Kirk of France at
Rochell.1 To the quhilk Conventioune we alfo wrett our particular letters,
fuiting him to be our Paftour. Sen the quhilk tyme that mater hes
fleiped till now. The faid Mr Gilbert hes, efter he conferrit with your
Maieftie, cum to ws, thinking to haue beine fred of his former promeis ;
bot we, repofing wpone your Maiefties lyking of him, hes mair ftraitlie
wrgit him with his former promeis : quhilk we think guidlie he cannot
efchew in confcience. And thairfoire, feing he is now to returne to your
Maieftie, we ar maift erneftlie to intreat your Maieftie to infift with him
to accept this charge, quhairunto he hes beine vrged be your Maieftie and
ws of before, and be your authoritie to command him feriouflie to that
effecT; : Quhilk giue your Maieftie do, we doubt not bot he fall accept
the famen, and we houpe, be the grace of God, he falbe able to pleas
your Maieftie, and ediiie his flock. And fwa repofing vpone your
Maiefties guid acceptatioune of this our humble and lauchfull requeift,
we commit your Maieftie to the prote6lioune of the Almichtie.
Your Maiefties maift humble and obedient fubjeftis,
The Prowest, Baillies, and Counsell off Edinburgh.
Neniane Makmoran, Baillie.
James Nisbett, Baillie.
James Arnott, Baillie.
Edinburgh, this fourt of September 1607.
To our moft Gracious and dread Souerane.
1 The proposed settlement of Primrose, as one of the Ministers of Edinburgh, was
brought before the Synod of Rochell, in March 1607, (Quick's Synodicon in Gallia Kefor-
mata, vol. i. p. 289.)
108 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
LXVL— THE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS TO KING JAMES.
Pleis your most Sacred Maiestie,
We have prefumed vpoun your Maiefteis raoft gratious accep-
tance of all our motionis for the aduancement of your Maiefteis feruice,
to lay befoir your Maieftie the goode officeis done by your Maiefteis
Secretary,1 fince his particulair imployment in onre affairis : And as we
render your Maieftie moft humble thankis for your Maiefteis princelie
regaird of him in a particulair he had thair, wherin he acknowlegeis him
felff infinitlie bound to your Maieftie, and moir nor fufficientlie recom-
penfit for all the feruice he is able to do ; fo we ar bolde to intreate
•your Maieftie for him in thir Eredtionis your Maieftie hes vouchaiffed
vpoun him and his Sone, that fince thay ar the moft vnworthie beneficeis,
and moft miferablie dilapidat, and he is content to deale moir beneficiallie
with his Minifteris in the planting of his kirkis, nor otheris who reportis
by a hundrethe parte greatair commoditie, fince for thair provifioun the
Spiritualise not being fufficient, he is content oute of the litill thing
that reftis of the Temporalitie to fie his kirkis fufficientlie provydit ;
that in the blanche dewytie your Maieftie wilbe pleafit to haif that
regaird to him, as he may be encourageit conftantlie to go on with ws
in the courfe of your Maiefteis feruice : And otheris, by his exampill of
your Maiefteis favour, may not onlie gif ws thair affiftance, whereof we
haif hithertillis found bot fmall fruites, bot lykewayes deale moir liberallie
in the provifioun of thair Kirkis. Thus, not doubting bot your Maieftie
will accept in goode pairt oure prefumptioun, tending to no other end
bot the goode of your feruice, wherunto your Maiefteis exceiding fauour
towardis ws hes fo fermelie bound ws, and wherin we fall fpend our
lyveis, and whatfoeuir graceis God hes beftowit vpoun ws, in all
1 Mr James Elphingstone, third son of Robert Lord Elphingstone, became Secretary in
1097, and President of the Court of Session in 1605. Ho had been raised to the Peer-
age, as Lord Balmerinoch, in 160-1; and, in token of the King's continued favour (which
he after wards forfeited), the two Abbacies of Balmerinoch and Cupar in Fife, were erected
into Temporal Lordships in his favour (Acta Pari. Scot., vol. i\ . pp. 340, 341.)
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 109
humilitie we committ your Maieftie, faull and body, to Godis holie
prote&ioun. Frome your Maiefteis burgh of Edinburgh, the fourte day
of September 1607.
Your Maiefteis moft humble and obedyent
fubiedtis and feruitouris,
An. Isles. Sanctandrois.
B. Galloway. Glasgow.
Ja. B. of Orknay. M. A. Brechin.
To the Kingis moft Excellent Maieftie.
LXVIL— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most gracious Souerane,
May it pleis your moft excellent Maieftie: I tak the boldnes,
befide the commoun recommendatioun fent be our Eftate1 to your Hyenes
in fauor of your Maiefteis faithfull fervand, and our moft fpeciall and
truftie freynd, your Hyenes Secretare, my Lord of Balmerrinoche, to
declair the great fauor that I find in all my a6tiones in Seffioun, and els
where, that in the raritie of trew fervandis, and frequencie of prevarica-
tiones, your Maieftie may male this man fure to continew as he is begun ;
for if it hade bene no moir than this Affemblie of Fyff, it wold male
manifeft, that quhair one dois fordwart and onefold feruice, tuo ar
perfun&orious. I wes not prefent at this Colloque, for I wes, as I
am yit, bound to my bed; bot I houp fchortlie, be Godis grace, to
recover ftrenth for your Maiefties feruice, whiche in my verie death (if
fo it fall pleis God) fall be precious to me. I am bold to prefent cer-
tane Memoiris2 to your Maieftie, and moft humble to befeeche your Hye-
nes for fuche tymous anfwer as your Maiefties incomparabill wifdome
1 In the preceding letter, No. LXVI.
* The " Memoiris" here referred to are not preserved along with this letter.
110 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
fhall think meitteft to direct. Thus, referring to the fufficiencie and
fidelitie of my Lord, the berar heirof, I commit, in my hartelie prayeris,
your Hyenes perfoun, eftate, and governament, to the gracious bleffing
and proteclione of the Almichtie. I abyde
Your Maiefties moft affectionat
orator and hoomebleft feruand,
Sanctandrois, 8 Sept. 1607. Sanctandrois.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
LXVIII.— THE BISHOP OF ROSS TO KING JAMES.
Pleis your Maiestie,
I am nocht able to rander fufficient thankis vnto your Hienes,
for guid rememberance of me.1 Alwayis fa lang as it pleis God I leave,
your Majcftie fall find me to be your Gamil Pope : Defyreing that the
Vnioun of the Kingdomes may be accoirding to my exampill, quhilk, I
truft, fould pleafour your Majeftie, and breid gret quyetnes. I had
befoir bot one fute, and now I hoip haif gottin ane vther to hald me vp in
my auld age, quhich is no fmall conforte to me. Thus craving pardoun
at your Hienes : With my hairt craveing at God ane happie and pros-
penis regnne, with mony and joyfull yeiris vnto your Maieftie. Frome
Leith, the fevintene of September 1607.
Your Maiefteis maift loveing fubiect
and Gammil Pope,
To his maift Excellent Maieftie. Ross.
1 See foot note (>) to page 94.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. Ill
LXIX.— THE BISHOP OF DURHAM TO KING JAMES.
Most renouned and dred Soueraigne,
I had long ere this certified your Maieftie the eftate of theis your
countries, but that imediatly after your Maiefties laft Affifes, in the
mideft of Godis and your Maiefties fervices, a vehement quotidian
feauer of feaven (almoft continuall) fittis did fo fhake me, as that I
was, in moft mens opinion, brought almoft to deathes doore '; but I bleffe
God for it, I yet lyve, and I defier not langer to lyve, then it may be to
do God and your Maieftie fervice. Your Maiefties Juftices of Affife,
Sir James Altham and Sir Edward Phillipps (worthie and learned gen-
tlemen in their places), haue fo in theire Cheilitis behaved themfelves, as
that the countrie (fince my comming into the ISorthe) did of both the
Judges, neuer hold themfelues fo well fatiffied. Sir Edward Phillipps
(to whole place it fell heir cheifely to manage the countrie affaires) did,
with that gravitie, learning, zeale (to Godis and your Maiefties fervice),
and elloquence, fo delyver your Maiefties moft gracious, princely, and
religious fpeache to him and the reft of the Judges, as that all your
Maiefties good fubiects, affembled at that Affifes, did thereof receaue
moft great joye and comfort ; and long may your Maieftie fend fuch
ioyfull meffingers, and haue fuch worthie Judges to proclaime it.
By the Judges and my direction, twenty Eecufants of note were called
to take the oathe of allegiance to your Maieftie, fix whereof, namely, Sir
William Blakfton and Sir John Claxton, knightes ; George Collingwood,
Esquire (in whofe howfe the Preift Stafferton was taken), with three
other meaner gentlemen, did openly in the Affile take the oathe. The
others who appeared not, were by the Judges ordered to be bound to
theire good behaviors ; fome of whome having fince fignified their wil-
lingnes to take the faid oathe (we knowing your Maiefties gratious
defier of their reformation), are refpited vntill the Quarter Seffions,
being the 7 of October next, at what tyme, if they fhall not do it
accordingly, the Judges order flialbe put in execution. The others
(who have takin it) are (for any thing that I can learne) nothing
112 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607-
altered from theire Romifhe fuperftition, neither in tkemfelves nor
theirs. My purpofo is, God willing, fhortly to call them, and to make
knowne vnto your Maieftie what I Ihall finde in them ; for if, having fo
farr renounced their Generall, they fhall not more firmely adhere to
God and your Maieftie, in the fervice of God and of your Maieftie, they
can no way be thought worthie of that great and vndeferved favoure
which they fo plentifully receyue at your Maiefties hands. The middle
Shires (not long fince denns of theeves and murderers) by your Maiefties
moft princelie care, with the painfull, faithfull, and chargable (I thinke I
might add dangerous) execution of your Maiefties lawes, by the right
honorable Earle of Donbarr, in executing of thofe whom neither your
Maieftie, as then Kinge of Scotland, nor our late Queene could fomuch
as apprehend, hath bredd fuch a happy comfort to your Maiefties
good and loving fubiects, and ftricken fuch a terrour to offendouris, as
that we all hope, in theis middle Shires, fhortly to have almam pacem ;
and that, in fhort tyme, they fhalbe no leffe peacable then any other
partis of your Maiefties kingdomes.
The Commiffion which was before, and the Commiffion which it hath
pleafed your Maieftie to graunt to the Earle of Donbarr and the Earle of
Cumberland, otheris, and myfelfe (if offendouris might be remaunded,
as your Maieftie knoweth it was ever my poore opinion), would in fliort
tyme have effected a great and worthie worke. The banifhing of Greames
out of Cumberland, and the confyning and committing of others in
Northumberland, and (if it might be) the vtter banifhing and exturpat-
ing of fome (nurfed and nuzled in thcfte and blood), although it might
and doth feeme to fome of theire clannes heavie and grievous, yet it
fhall teache them (if they have any grace) hereafter more wifdome, be
to others a good example, et maiori bono publico compensabitur ; and it is
a thing (which of my vnderftanding) the better fort of your Maiefties
fubiects here greatly approve, and praife God for. As it hath pleafed
your moft excellent Maieftie, in this great fervice, to credit me with
thofe honourable and worthie gentlemen, fo I moft humbly befeeche
your Maieftie to be perfwaded that I will rather be founde dead then
defectyue in doing my beft indevoris in advauncing your Maiefties fer-
vice. And thus, in my moft humble and howcrly prayers, recommend-
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 113
ing to Almightie God your facred Maieftie ; the moil noble and virtuous
Lady, our Queene ; the raoft hopefull gemme noble Prince Henry (whom
it pleafeth fometimes to tearme me his Bufhop), with the reft of your
Maiefties raoft Eoyall yffue ; befeeching the Eternall God, that there
never want one of your Maiefties loynes to fwaye the Scepter of theis
your Maiefties kingdomes, I moft humblie take my leaue.
Your Maiefties moft humble and
faithfull fubiect and feruant,
Bifhops Awkland 24t0 Septem. 1607. W. Dubesm.
To the moft mightie and his renouned
Soueraigne the Kinges moft excel-
lent Maieftie.
LXX.— THE PRESBYTERY OF LANARK TO KING JAMES.
May it pleis your Maiestie,
Vpoune the fignificatioun of your Maiefties royall pleafour anent
the Kirk of Carmichell, in behalf of Sir Hew of that Ilk, efter the pre-
cife difcharge of our humbill obedience thairin, we haif prefumit (vnder
maift humblie proteftit pardoun) to returne thir prefentis toward your
Maieftie, quhairby (withe dew acknawledgment of your Maiefties no
fmall dignatioun of ws, by your Maiefties fauourable countinance wot-
chafit in this and fie mandatorie intelligences), we may, to your Maiefties
heighly deferuit commendatioun and princelie incouragement, fincerlie
profefs, quhat bleffingis we ordinairlie bruik vnder the comfortabill fcha-
dow of your Maiefties moft gracious and happie government ; for the pro-
pagatioun thairfoir, and profpcritie quhairof (fince to ws it is, nixt the
Gofpell, the griteft pledge of Godis fauour that we can injoy in this
earthe) we fall aydinglie craue and thraue for with teiris at the handis
of our God, that fo not onlie the curagiouflie begun cxftirpatioun of
114 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
Antichriftianifme may be in your Maiefties awin tyrae vi6torioufly accom-
plifchit (being bayth to the expeclatioun and experience of the Kirk
the only vifegerent of God, to whom, in thir endis of the warld, he lies
concredite the wark of the devaftatioun of Babel), bot alfo for the fweit
fruit of the tender fofter fatherheid, that hithertillis your Maieftie lies
molt happilie exerced in the Kingdome of Chryft, fpeciallie to the behuif
of your awin Maiefties fofter mother Kirk heir : the particular weilfair
quhairof (gif without offence we may vfurp the word) your Maiefties
verie horofcope, as it wer, dois planely portend ; forby the mifterie of
that mercifull fynchronifme (quhairin, as anon with your Maiefties lyf,
the licht of the Gofpell brak furth, fo, with your Maiefties Croune, did
the courfe of this libertie, quhilk we ftill enjoy), we reft affuirit that this
Kirk, with the quhilk, in the quhilk, and for the quhilk, your Maieftie
wes borne, fall nevir mifs meid nor confort from yow, quhairof, alas,
thair wes nevir mair neid nor prefentlie now. For althocht, during our
happy enjoyancc of your Maiefties perfonall prefence heir, by menes of
your Maiefties moft godfrauchtie adminiftratioun, our Scotifs Kirk become
as ane architipe to vtheris of maift ordourlie and analogicall reforma-
tioun, yit (woes ws), fince your Maiefties lang remote abfence from ws,
we have fo dangeroufly relapfed in mony paralitick perplexiteis, that our
fchyfmaticall diffolutionis (if your Maiefties providence do not prevent),
can not chufe bot declyne to a mair pitifull defolatioun, nor perhappis,
without very found and fufficient informatioun, your Maieftie can poffiblie
confidder to the duilfull demolifchment of fa laborious a wark as God
lies now lang bene a building by yow ; for befyd that, by menes of our
lait mutineis, Antichriftianifme is michtilie encouragit, evin felf athefme
alfo heichly advancit, and that efpecially be occafioun of the blanking of
diuerfe no fmall congregationis, quhais removit Paftouris doeth prefenthe
fmart vnder the burding of your Maiefties difplefour, of all earthlie incon-
venience the maift infupportable to men of our calling. For remeid
quhairof (pardoun ws, dreid Soucrane), we wald maift humblie, as with
teiris of bluid, emploir your Maieftie, in the bleiding woundis of Jefus
Chryft, to becum intreat, firft, in behalf of our feparat Bretherene, that
your Maieftie wald be pleifit to punifch only with pardoun your Maiefties
greivances confavit aganis tham ; to quhom bot the withdraucht of the
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 115
wontit ferenitie of your Maiefties countinance, we doubt not, is a maift
panefull penaltie ; fpeciallie feing, according to your Maiefties accuftomed
placabilitie, your vfe lies euir bene rather with the Syndon of Japhet and
Shem to cover, than with the fword of Saul to caftigat Kirk naikednes,
as he quha with the fceptour not of crueltie bot of clemencie, hes over
conquerit all. And nixt, that it may pleis your Maieftie, as being wyfe,
lyk an Angell of God, in your accuftomed Conftantiniftne, fa indifferent-
lie to interpone your felf in all our differences, with the neutrall eir of
ane vnpeir, that by the frie interloquitour of ane Ecclefiafticall Senate
(the only competent cenfure of fo grit fchyfimis), your Maieftie may de-
termine in all our difcordis. To effect the quhilk, your Maieftie may not
only mak a compt of our mene concurrence heir, bot alfo of ane vnmatch-
able number of vnpreoccupyit and haill myndit Bretherene, refoluit to
embrace ony weill warrandit menes of pacificatioun ; in doing quhairof,
your deir Maieftie fall not only reftoir ws, that man be continuallie occu-
pyit in the oratories of God for yowr profperitie and perpetuall propa-
gatioun of your Eoyall pofteritie, to our wontit joyis, and with all,
fchamefully difappoynt the heiche hoipis of the wickit, quha, with Hair-
ing eyis, dois expect fum tragicall decay in Godis lang flurifching king-
dome heir, bot alfo fall report to your felf the trophees of a triumphant
gude name heir, and of ane incorruptible crowne hence, in the kingdome
of the fecund cuming. Amen.
Your Maiefteis maift obedient fubieclis and humbill Oratouris,
M. W. Birnie, M. Lanark,1 Moderator of the
Preibiterie of Lanerk, in nam of the reft.
Lanerk, Septimo Octobris 1607.
To thair dreid Souerane his Maieftie,
thefe be delyuerit.
1 In 1606, the writer of this pedantic letter published a curious tract, under the quaint
title of " The Blame of Kirk Buriall, tending to persuade cimeterial civility." It was
republished by Mr Turnbull, Advocate, in 1833.
110 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
LXXI.— KING JAMES TO MR JOHN CAULDCLEUGH AND
MR JAMES MARTIN.
James R.
Trufty and welbeloued, Wee greete yow well. Whereas, in the
laft Affembly whereat Wee were praefent, which was kepte in the moneth
of Nouember 1602, Commiffion was geuin to yow to vifite the Churches
of Perth and Sterlingfhire, and fince there is nothing done in the faid
Commiffion (to the great praeiudice and detriment of the Church), Wee
haue therefoir thought good, by thefe prefentes, expreffely to command
yow, that with all conuenient diligence yee begin and performe that
Vifitation of the Churches within the boundis aforefaid, and haue your
proceedingis ready to be fighted at the next Affembly. And fince Wee
defire nothing more then the peaceable meeting of an Affembly, com-
pofed of the graueft, moft godlie, and learned of the Minifterie, for
remouing of the preesent difcordes and diffenfions in the Church, Wee
wold haue yow fpecially carefull, that in the Vifitation of the Prefby-
tcries within the boundis aforefaid, fome two or three be chofen (fucb
fpecially who are knowne to Our felfe to be of honeft, quiet, and tem-
perate difpofition) Commiffioners for the enfewing Generall Affembly,
that fo all feare of contention at that meeting being remoued, the
aduerfaryes of the trueth now prefentlie profeffed (who euer take aduan-
tage of the diffenfion amongft the Brethrene), may be difapoynted of
their exfpe6tation, and that the whole mindes, intentions, and cares of
thofe to be conuened at the faid Affembly may be vniformly deuoted to
the well of the Church of that Kingdome, and for fetling of peace and
quietnes therein. Willing yow to make reporte back againe to Our
Secretarie of fuch Commiffioners as fhalbe chofen by thofe Prefbyteries
which yee fhall vifite for the enfuing Affembly, to the intent he may ad-
uertife Vs of the fame : And no way doubting of your care herein, Wee
bid yow farewell. At Our Courte at Royfton, the 18th of October 1607.
To oui trufty and welbeloued
Mr Johne Caldcleugh and Mr James Martine.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 117
LXXIL— THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY TO KINO JAMES.
May it please tour most Excellent Maiestie :
I am informed that my Lord of Balmerino, Prefident of Scotland,
is readie to returne, of whom I haue receyued fo greate commendation
from my Lord Archbifhop of St Andrewes, and my Lord Bifhop of Bre-
chen, for his moft wife and faithfull proceedinges in the Churche caufe,
committed by your Maieftie vnto his charge : As I do moft humbly
befeeche your moft excellent Maieftie, to geve him thankes, not to mak
him thereby more carefull to do vnto yow any fervice (for therein I
thinke he can not be more prompte then he is alreadie), but that he
might take notice of theire thankefullnes, as alfo of my love towardes
him, for theire fakes, and for his owne merite. Wee haue not fo many
of his rancke fo faithfull vnto vs, but that wee haue caufe to honour
fuche verie muche as wee can procure them. Affuredly he is a right
worthie fervant to your Maieftie, and I dowbte but that God will bleffe
him with your extraordinarie favour, and otherwife to his comforte, for
his good will towardes the Churche. God, of his infinite mercie, fill
your Maieftie full of manie happie yeares, and replenifhe your harte
with all contentements and joye, both nowe and for ever. At Lambeth,
the 12 of October 1607.
Your Maiefties moft faithfull Chapleyne and fubiect,
To the Kinges moft Excellent Maieftie. K. Cant.
LXXIIL— THE ARCHBISHOP OF SAINT ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Soverane,
May it pleis your moft excellent Maieftie : As your Hienes
directed me to aflemble the Commiffionaris at neidful occafiones, I con-
118 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
vocatt thame laitlie to Falkland, and haue etlcd to the executione of
your Maiefties dire6tiones, quhilk I haue refaved ; and haue fent vnto
your Maieftie in this prefent pacquet Minutes of our procedingis thair.
that your Maieftie may returne your Hienes pleafour and direetioun
quhat of thais thingis yow will haue to be profecute. I am bold alfo to
prefent certane vtheris advyfes, whilk I befeik your Maieftie to reid,
and to direct anfuer bak, and that vith als greate fecrecie as fie fervices
fhould be difpatched. Mr Robert Howie is heir entered to teiche in
the New College, and that vith fuch rare lerning as breidis not only con-
tentment to al the Clergie heir, bot alfo ravifches thame in admiratioun,
fo the abfent his anteceffor is not miffed, quhyles thay find, in fteid of
fuperficiall and feckles inventiones, profitable and fubftantious theologie.
Quhat difficultie and paines I haue had to fettil him heir, without help
of any, ather of Counfale or Clergie, God knawis ; and it vas thocht be
the feditious that the gape of Mr Androw Melvines abfence fchould haue
furnefed fie mater of difcontentment to the Kirk and countrie as fchould
haue bred no final mutinie, and fhould haue enforced your Hienes to
fend the prifonar bak (tanquam fine qua non). Laftlie, Sir, your Hienes,
in this laft miffive directed to the Counfale, commandit thame to direct
fome Counfalour to mak oppin durris for Mr Robert Howie till enter in
Mr Androw Meluines ludgein and chalmeris ; quhilk vas obeyit, be
directing me to execute the pairt of a fecular fhirreff. Bot quhatfoewir
was the ground of thair direclione (I vil not fay to mak me invidious
and till efchew that dint to thame fclffis), I haue tane bauldnes to be
your Hienes fhireff in that pairt, and haue made oppin durris and poffelt
the faid Mr Robert in all his houfes. As to colloques and conferences,
Sir, I offer my advyfe to your Hienes, that before ane Affemblie, ane
colloquie be, bot not to devyfe middes, bot to propone the vtmeft but of
your Hienes intentioun, and defend it be reafone, quhilk vil be eafie to
ftudentis ; and then I hoipe thai fhalbe faine to offer at leaft that quhiche
now is difficil to be obteined. For outredding of the remanent confu-
iiones of the New College, and for fcharpning fome fluggardis quha var
before freindis, as alfo becaus thair is liklie that a great truble and per-
turbaiione fal fall in this cuntrie betwix my Lord of Tilliebarne and his
freindis and my Lord Olyphant and his adherentis, be occafioun of fome
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 119
teyndis that is fall into the Auld College, I vald humlie requeift your
Maieftie, as haueand fpeciall eair and interefe, to fie the peace of thir
pairtes preferved, as I hoipe your Hienes expe&es, that it vald pleis your
Maieftie to command the Vifitouris directed be your Hienes of befoir to
repaire heir agane, and to reiterate thair commiffioun. Becaus of the
difces of the Bifchope of Dunkeld, in quhais rowme the prefent interant
vald be placeit, and throw the infirmitie of utheris fome adioned. It vil
pleis your Maieftie alfo to refeaue the Bifchope of Murray his miffiue and
informatione to your Hienes, and to giwe fuch dire6tioune thairanent as
fhall feim fitteft. Thus I humblie recommend, with all my hart, your
Hienes royal perfone and ftate to the grace and bleffed protectioune of
God everlafting. I abyde,
Your Maiefties moft humble fervant and orator,
St Androis, 28 Oct. 1607- Sanctandkois.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
LXXIV.— THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH TO KING JAMES.
Please your Majestie,
This prsefent is moft humblye to excufe our earneft dealing with
my Lord Aduocat, for fufpending of the horning of a nomber of the
Miniftrye, refractares to your Maiefties will, proponed be him in ovu-
late Provinciall Aflemblye, and that onlye vntill fignification might be
giwen to your Maieftie of that proceeding, and anfure receaued back
agane of your Maiefties will therein : in refpedl that the nomber of re-
fufares is great, and that all ar not alyk giltye ; and the offence that will
arryfe of the horning of fo monye Minifteres wilbe greater, and greeffe
manye when there kirkis fall ftand dumb without preaching.
Truelye, Ser, my Lord Aduocat wes fectfull and earneft in doing your
Maiefties commiffion, both be reafoning, and threatning, and charging,
120 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
and giwing copyes of his charge to fuch as wer otherwaycs difpofet ; and
vfed all meanes that might be devyfit to procure obedience to your will,
and went fo far therein, that to obteane it, he ouerfawe the ioyning in
leites of tuo otheres to the fex conftant Moderatores, hoping thereby to
atteane his purpofe ; as alfo we, that ioyned with him in all his proceed-
ingis, loked for. Bot it fell out otherwayes, contrair to all our expec-
tationes, and the greateft nomber enclyned to choofe him who miflykit
there humor, and flatlye refufed that office of Moderation whilk they
wald haue layed on him.
Ser, if it may ftand with your Maiefties pleafure, we wald moft hum-
blye requeaft your Maieftie, out of your vounted clemencie, to pitie the
Eftate of this Kirk, pardoning fome that ar miflede be otheres, fpairing
the flockis that will want exerceefe of Religion throch there horning ; and
not punifhing vs, and fuche as follow vs, to ferue your Maieftie, be dif-
charging our Affemblyes ; vpon the quhilk we fall leaue aff no trauell to
vinn fo monye as we may to conforme thame felfes to your Maiefties
will.
We perceaue a great mifcontentment growing, and breaking out
euerye day more and more, in all fortis of people here, and no leffe
encreffe of enimyes of the Gofple, both Papiftis and Atheiftis, whilk in
end will ouerthroue all, except tymous remead be prouydit. It wer
good therefor that the fontanes of thofe euillis wer fought out, and
cures fet doune, and profequute be your Maieftie for helping thame,
before they ouerflowe, affuring your Maieftie, that there is nothing lyes
in our pouares to doe, whilk fall not be moft humblye and hartelye im-
ployed as your Maieftie fall giue direction. So, moft humblye taking
our leefe, we moft hartelye commend your Maiefties perfone, familye, and
affairis to the gratious direction and pouarfull bliffing of God. From
Edinburgh, this 28 of October 1G07.
Your Maiefties moft humble and hairty fubie&is,
M. P. Gallouay.
Jo. Hall.
To his Maieftie our Souerane Lord. M. P. Hew at.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 121
LXXV.— THE AECHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Soverane,
May it pleis your moft Excellent Maieftie : It wes your Hienes
pleafour to dire<5t laitlie to me that Commiffioun for redreffing of the
defolate eftaitt of your Maiefties hurgh of Dundie, wiche is yit fo defolat
and miferabill, that I mieht fay, quis talia fando temperet a lachrimis.
The peft devoris many hundrethis for fault of governement, and the beft
fort ar borne doun. If I wer nather your Maiefties cheif fervand in
Ecclefiaftik materis, nather wer ane Counfoler, bund in confcience to give
your Maieftie advertifement and advyfe in the effairis of your Hienes
governement, yit I proteft befoir God, that beand bot ane fimpill minif-
ter of Chryfte, and havand acceffe and libertie of fpeiche to my Criftian
magiftrat, I vald propon to your Hienes the dwilfull cace of that powre
Town, defolat and vrakit only for defalt of gude and indifferent governe-
ment.1 Now, Sir, they have chofein thair magiftratis befoir the Report of
the Commiffioun [came] to my handis, vpoun Sonday preceiding Michael-
mes day. If thair hes bein any curiofitie in delay of delyverans of the faid
Commiffioun, I can not weill judge ; bot the bearer delyverit the famyn
to me within fy ve dayis efter the daitt thairof. Thair ele6tioun wes maid
vpoun Sonday befoir Michaelmes, againft all ordour of Borrowis. Thus
I am bold to refer to your Maiefties plefour and beft advyfement, quhat
falbe done in this fervice ; and, if your Maieftie thinkis meitt that the
executioun of the Commiffioun fall go fordwart prefentlie, it will pleis
your Maieftie to mak notife thairof to the Lordis of the Secret Coun-
fall, and ordaine thame to affift ws be chairges, and the ele&ioun by-
paft difchairgit, and the ordour takinge with the electioun to be referrit
1 This letter has no date, which renders the subject of it somewhat doubtful. Tiie
town of Dundee had recently been desolated by " the pest ; " and the removal of some
of the ministers might have given cause to lament the spiritual destitution of the people.
It is however most probable that the Archbishop merely refers to the dissensions that
had arisen in regard to the election of the Town Magistrates, contrary to his Majesty's
instructions.
Q
122 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
fhnplic to your Hienes prefent Commiffionaris : for I rnoft fay this,
with your Hienes licience, the forme of the Commiffioun wes too fimpill
and mein for fa mony worthie Commiffionaris. Becans the Erie of
Crawford is ane fpeciall in commiffioun, quho heft knawis the eftaitt
of that Burgh, I muft refer to his Lordfhips better informatioun to
your Maieftie ; and thair with all befeik God to bliffe your Maiefties
Royall perfoun and eftaitt with all fpirituall and vorldlie bliffingis ever.
I fall remaine,
Your Maiefties moft humhill and obedient fervand,
Sanctandrois.
To his moft Sacred Maieftie.
LXXVI MR JOHN MURRAY, MINISTER OF LEITH, TO KING JAMES.
Pleis your most Excellent Maiestie,
My Lord Prefident, according to your Maiefties direelione, con-
vening me befoir him, declared your Hynefs offence conceaved aganft
me, quhilk, as it lies maid me bald, in all reverence and fubmiffione, to
prefent this letter to your Maieftie, fo it lies begottin in my hert no
fmall greiff, for the Lord and my confcience bearis me record, that mv
defyr and indevour is, both to praclifs and to preache obedience to your
Maieftie nixt vnto the God of Hewin, in Him, and for Him, quhais vic-
gerent I acknawlege your Maieftie to be in your dominions : lykwayis
that I fend vp befoir His glorious throne, owt of the deip of my affec-
tione, earneft fupplications, both in privat and publik, for your Maiefties
happie reigne in this lyff, and moft happie in the lyf to come : So that
their [is] nothing furder from my affectione and intentione nor your
Maiefties offence. As to that Sermone quhilk of lait lies come in your
Hynefs hand, I confefs it is myne in the preaching of it, bot in the
publifhing and prenting I denie and difclaime it, and am greived theirat ;
for I proteft, be my knawlege, confent, or deid, dire&lie or indirect-
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 123
lie, I am innocent theirof, [as] the infcriptione of it may teftifie,1 for it
was not preached at Leith, hot in Edinburgh, att our Provincial Affem-
blie, a yeir fince and rnoir. In it I proteft, and the felf hearis witnefs,
that nather words nor meaning twichis your Maieftie, hot in good ;
quhat I delyvered, it was of our felfs to our felfs, both words and mean-
ing includit within our felfis, for the treuthe faik, in modeftie and love,
free of all purpois to offend the meaneft, it was approven be the Brether,
thair was twa Bifhops prefent, quha, be their fdence att leaft, feimed not
to have bein offendit. It was and is buried in nlence and oblivione with ws,
lb it wald continew, and els quhair alfo, if it war your Maiefties pleafur to
pafs by it. I have bein vncharitablie and vntrewlie reported off to your
Maieftie, both as concerning my publik prayer, quhairin I gave fatiffac-
tione, according to the treuthe, to your Maiefties honorable Counfell, as
alfo concerning my preaching att Leith, the informers of your Maieftie
paffed frome it, fo I was not called to tryall ; My cair and ftudie is and
falbe (with Gods grace) to talc juft mater fra mifreporters, if not malice,
quhilk man be the Lords work, to keip my hert and my hand free of the
courfe the confcience directed be the worlds miflykis, to intertein inwart
peace in the fawl, and maintein owtwart peace in the Kirk, fo far as the
meafur of my knawlege and dewtie of my calling wil carie me, bot above
all, to inftruct the people, amange quhome the Lord hes placed me, in
the way of their falvatione, and finceir and rycht obedience to God, and
dewtifull fubmiffione to your Maieftie, praying earneftlie and conftantlie
that Religione and Rychteoufnes may be the twa ftronge and ftable
ftoups of your Hynefs throne, that ye may honour Him quha hes hon-
oured yow heir with ane earthlie Crowne, and wil heirefter with ane
hewinlie and everlafting. In this difpofitione and dewtie I fal (be Gods
grace) alwayis remain and prove,
Your Maiefties moft loyall and loving fervant and fubject,
Frome Leith, 9 Feb. 1608. Jo. Murk ay, Minifter.
To the Kings moift Excellent Maieftie.
1 See note to the following letter.
124 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
LXXVII.— THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Souerane,
We convenit Maifter Johnne Murray befoir ws vpoun the xxv of
Februair laft for vttering in prent, and making to be publift, a Sermone
of his preacheit at Leyth,1 and for fome fpeciall pointis thairof whilkis
appeirit to imply fome docirine tuicheing the ofFens of your Maiefteis
lawis and prefent gouernament in Churche materis : whofe firft anfuer
wes, that by his moft humble letter dire&it to your Sacred Maieftie, he
had declairit all he knew anent the faid Sermone, wherby he hoiped your
Maieftie reftit fatiffeit ; and till the returning of your' moft gratious
anfuer, requirit that the forder vrgeing of that mater myght be fuper-
fedit. In end, he wes commandit to declair, not only whidder the Ser-
mone wes his, and by whofe dire6tioun publifheit, bot to gif anfuer to fome
pointis thairof obferued be thefe whome it did propirlie belong. He
craved licence till the nixt Counfell day, that ho myght confer the articlis
with the Sermone it felfF. The quhilk day compeirand, he declairit that
the Sermone wes his, that he preacheit it at Edinburgh, at a Synodall
Affembley, mair nor a year fince : as for the publicatioun and prenting of
it, he wes innocent thairof, and grieved thairat, and that he neuir knew
ony thing of it. As to the articlis of his faid Sermone, becaus thay wer
gevin to him in wryte, he gaif in write agane a generall anfuer, and
being vrged to be moir particulair to euery one of thame, he delyuerit by
worde the anfuers following: — Firft, for taxing of the Canon of the
1 Mi* John Murray, one of the Ministers of Leith, had on several occasions opposed
himself -to the Bishops and their course of procedure, and the publication of a Sermon,
which he had preached before the Synod of Lothian, was the means of subjecting him to
much trouble and inconvenience. A long statement regarding these proceedings is pre-
served among the Wodrow MSS., 4to Vol. LXXVII., No. 9. The substance of it will
be found in the recent edition of Calderwood's History, vol. vi. pp. C89 — 702, vol. vii.
pp. 18 — 20. The Sermon alluded to was printed anonymously in London, without Mur-
ray's knowledge, under the following title : " A Godly and Fruitfull Sermon, preached
at Lieth, in Scotland, by a faithfull Minister of Gods holy Gospell. Printed 1007."
Small 8vo.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 125
Churche of England maid anent the ceremony is tliair reffauit and rati- ,
feit be your Majeftie, by vfeing the example of ane Injun&ioun for the
vfe of ane furpleece, he anfuerit, that he vfed the example of the furpleece,
not to condamne ony law approvin be your Sacred Maieftie, bot broght
in the example be way of fuppofitioun, and allegeit thair could no expres
condemnatioun of the faid Injun&ioun be drawne furth of his wordis
bot be confequentis and illationis not aggreable to his meaning. And
anent the condemning of the Act of Lynlythqw ratifeit be your Maieftie,
by' faying that the creiping in of the Antechriftiane yok had, for the firft
ftep, that quhilk is litill different frome oure new Moderatoris, he an-
fuerit, that the fame wes no expres difallowing of the faid Act of Lyn-
lythqw, bot ane noting of thefe who wald abufe thair pre-eminence in
the Kirk, as did the Antechrift, and as the moft holie and juft inftitu-
tionis of the warld may be corrupted. And as to the impofing of the
cryme of perjurie to your Maiefteis Confell and Nobilitie, who had
i'worne to defend the Difcipline of the Kirk, he wes fa far frome doing
the fame, that it neuir come in his thocht to thinke any fuch thing of
vour Royall Maieftie, of whome, with all reuerence and deutifiilnes, he
had occafioun euir to fpeik, as is euident be the expres wordis of his Ser-
mone, in the xlix leafe following, bot onlie meanit of thair awine Bre-
threne, who nowther keipit tliair Oathis nor the Caveatis of the Generall
Affembley. And laft, being inquired anent the meaning of thefe wordis,
" That in Scotland we ar beating doun Chrift, putting him in bandis,
covering his face, and of purpois to burey him with the Jewis ; " whereby
he appeirit to tax your Maiefteis Gouernament, who being a Chrifteane
Prince, fould fuffer, in your Maiefteis dominionis, Chrift to be fua in-
treated : He anfuerit, That thefe wordis wer onlie ane generall confef-
iioun, wherunto all men wer fubiedl be finning, and not a particular
reprehenfioun of ony : Whilk conftru&ioun of his wordis wes vtterit be
him very modeftlic, protefting alwayis that his wordis fould not be
wrung, nor his meaning wreafted, bot fauourablie conftrued. And that,
in the firft inftance, feing thay ar not direcllie aganis your Maieftie, the
Law, nor Eftaite, bot by illationis and interpretationis, that his cenfure
and tryall micht be remitted to his ordinair, not meaning thairby to
declyne your Sacred Maieftie. This, in effecT; and fubftance, is all that
126 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
he anfuerit, quhairin we haif continewit our deterrnatioun, quhill we
vnderftand your Maiefteis pleafour quhat forder courfe your Heynes will
haiff to be tane in the faid mater ; quhilk falbe molt reddilie obeyit. And
fwa, with our humble prayeris vnto God, recommending your Sacred
Maieftie vnto his divyne prote6tioun, we reft,
Your Maiefteis moft humble and obedyent
fubjeclis and fervitouris,
Al. Cancells.
Mar.
J. Balmerinot. Cassillis.
Halyrudhous. Lothiane.
Edinburgh, tent of Marche Jo. Prestoun. R. Cokburne.
1608.
To the Kingis moft Excellent Maieftie.
LXXVIIL— KING JAMES TO SIE JOHN HOUSTONE, PROVOST OF
GLASGOW.
James R.
Truftye and weilbeloued: Whereas We vndirftand that the
Sinode of Cliddifdaill is to be keipt at Glafgow the fccound Tuefday of
Apryile nixtocum, We haif maid fpeciall choice of yow to be Our Com-
miffioner at the faid Sinode, willing you therefoir to keip the foirfaid
appoynted tyme of the faid meiting, and to be prefent with the Brethren
of the Miniftrie at all the tymes of there conveyning ; and, at there firft
meiting, to give thame thankis in Our name for thair obedience to Our
dire&ionis at the laft keipt Sinode, and for thair dewtifull behaviour at
that tyme ; the lyike whereof We do affuredlye expect, both at the
meiting and in all tyme heirefter, as thay, in regairde thairof, may fullye
promife to thame felfis Our afiftance and authoritye to be joyned alwayes
to there proceidingis. And Our intentioun to beftowe particular favouris
to every one of thame who fall any way deferve the fame by there goode,
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 127
quyet, and peceable cariage. Willing you heirwith to haif a fpeciall
caire that, enduireing the faid Sinode, nothing be moved therein preju-
diciall to the A6tis of the Generall Churche, hot fpeciallye any thing
whiche might be derogatorye to the Actis concludeit at Linlithgow Af-
femblye : and als defyring you to concurre with thefe Brethren, as Our
Commiffioner, in all thingis that falbe requifite for eftablifhing of goode
ordour, according as you falbe advyfed and directed by the right reve-
rend father in God the Archbifchope of Glafgow, Moderatour of the
faid Sinode. And howfoevir We ar not ignorant that amongis thefe
Minifteris fome hes kyithed crofferis of Our fervice and the Churches
quyetnes, yit the goode regairde We haif to the better and greiter fort
hes moved Ws, for thair caus, to oviriie the others defe&is, and, nevir-
theles, wald not wifh thefe, vpoun hoipe of the fame impunitye heirefter,
overmuche to ftraine Our patience. Bot hoipeing that the better forte
will {till be conftant (whois good defert fall nocht be forgotten), and that
otheris will preis, by there future cariage, to obliterat bypaft faultes,
and repoifeing much to your truftie caire and diligence in this bufynes,
We bid you fairweill. Frome Our Courte at Whitehall, the 20 of
Marche 1608.
To Our truftye and weilbeloued
The Laird of Houftoun, Provofl of Our Citye of Glafgow.1
LXXIX.— SIR J. HOUSTONE, PROVOST OF GLASGOW, TO KING JAMES.
Most sacred and gratiouss Soveraigne,
As it hes bein your Majefties gratiouss plefoure to command my
attendance vpoun this Sinode of Cliddisdaill, keipt att Glafgow the 12
off Apryll, fo have I obeyit your Hienes directioun, and, with fuche caire
and forfycht as I culd, caryit all matteris for the advantage of your Ma-
jefties fervice. Quhairin, pleafe your Majeftie to be thus fare affuirit,
1 Sir John Houstone of Houstone was elected Provost of Glasgow for two suceessive
years, on the 6th October 1607, and 4th October 1608.
128 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1G08.
that nevir Sinode wes held with hetter ordourc and more feimlie gravitie.
A reverent regard off your Hienes as becum, and fuche ane harmonic
amongeft the Paftouris thamfelfis, as the lyk wer to be wifchit in all the
pairtis off the kingdom. In the Moderatioun off the affairis, my Lord of
Glafgo lies fo behavit himfelfe, that not onlio your Majefties well affeclit
ferventis ar exceidinglie rejoycit, bot evin the adverfe partie, fo mony off
thame as ar in thir bounds, haue now thair mouthis ftoppit, and ar com-
pellit to praife God for your Hienes moft wyfe and provident caire in the
redreffinge off thair former confufiouns. His Lordfhip, be himfelffe, will
informe your Majeftie more particularlie in all things. Quharfore, crav-
inge pardoun for this my boldnes, I remane in all tilings, quhairin my
puir fervice can be acceptable,
Your Maieflies moft obliged and humble devotit fervitour,
Glafgo, the 19 off Apryll 1608. Houstone of that Ilk.
To his moft Sacred and excellent Majeftie.
LXXX THE AECHBISHOP OF SAINT ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Sacred Soverane,
May it pleis your moft Excellent Maicftie : I am bold, according
to the libertie quhairwith it hath pleafed your Gracious Hyenes to
endowe me, thus to importune your Maieftie with Ecclcfiaftick occur-
rentis. Your Maieftie hath bene accuftomed, of your princelie liberali-
tie, to exeme fome of the poore Minifteris fromc the Taxatioun of thair
benefices ; and as the famyn hath bene done in the firft terme thairof,
fo am I to requeft homeblie for ane Commiffioun of new to do the fame
with difcrctioun ; for thair wes too great profufioun of befoir. Thus
quhen euerie man lies the credite of his owne Diocie to recommend thefc
who for neid fuld be pityed, and meritis wcill for thair owne affe6tioun to
your Hyenes fervice, your Maieftie will vnderftand who be vnworthye of
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 129
that credite heirefter ; and command the Collector of the Taxatioun to
receaue ane fubfcryved Roll, whiche thairefter man be confiddered.
I am fo importuned with Maifter Robert Durie ' his freyndis, that I muft
prefume to propone to your Maieftie thair petitioun ; whiche is, that fince
he hath wretin to them, that if he wer at hame bot a few dayes, he fould
give me fatiffaclioun anent all thefe thingis quherevpoun he is chalenged
and convict; to the intent that I micht report to your Maieftie fuche thingis
as micht gif your Maieftie contentment, and fould move your Maieftie to
fchew him fome clemencie, Thairfor they defyre, that he micht have licence
onlie to come and ftay at home fome twentie dayis ; and if he give not
full fatiffadtioun induring that fpace, to returne bak agane to his exile. I
will nocht tak vpon me ather to be a fuitter or one aduyfer to your Maieftie
in this behalf, as I can not meafure your Maiefteis princelie clemencie
with the narow compas of my bafe mynd : onlie this one thing, I will
intreat moft homeblie your Gracious Hyenes, to honor me in your Maief-
teis refcript with ane anfwer, that I may teftifie my diligence in this
employment : and becaus his kirk is not as yit plaunted, it will pleis
your Maieftie to give ordour thairanent, for it is ane Burrow Toun.
Thair is alfo vacand heir the kirk of Kilmanye, whiche belonged to
Maifter Johnne Scharp;2 and the kirk of Creiche, whiche belonged to
vmquhile Maifter Alexr. Strathauchyn : 3 thay ar bothe vnplaunted ; the
one be the wilfull ftubburnes of young Creiche, and fome of your Ma-
iefteis proper tennentes in that paroche ; the other delayed be the
policie of the feditious. Thairfor I will hoomeblie aduyfe your Maieftie
to fend home ane preceife Letter to the Prefbiterie of Cowpar, within the
whiche they ly, commanding them, vnder all hyeft pane, to plaunt thefe
two kirkis ; and in plaunting of thame, that they haif regaird to Maifter
Adame Mitchell, that he be placed in ather of thefe two, as they fall
• See foot note to No. XCIII. 2 See rupra, No. XVIII. p. 28.
3 Mr Alexander Strachan became Minister of Creich, in Fife, about the year 1603. He
was one of the six Ministers who were banished by King James in 1606, for professing
the lawfulness of the General Assembly held at Aberdeen in July 1605. Notwithstand-
ing his humble request to the King, to be permitted to return to Scotland, " for the
libertie of his countrie air, without which the Physicians assured him there was no hope
of his recoverie," such permission was refused, and he died at Middleburgh, towards the
end of 1607.— (Calderwood's History, vol. vi. p. 689.)
K
130 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
think meitteft. And cf'ter that they half declared thair mynd to my
Lord Chancellar be write, that letters be directed from the Secrete
Counfall to charge the parochinaris, and vtheris haveand entres, to re-
ceave him, vnder the pane of horning ; whiche ordour no man can find
fault with, fince the Preibiterie will declair thair mynd thairanent ; and
this dire&ioun your Maieftie will lend to the Chancellar.
I am alfo to remember your Maieftie to command the Collector to
charge for the minifteris ftipendis wha ar nocht inbooked in the Plat this
yeir bypaft. For albeit a great nomber lies nocht receaved any teftimoniall
of ws as your Maieftie directed, yit they tak vp thair ftipendis peciablie ; of
the whiche nomber is Mr Dauid Lindfay, who wes heir fometyme, and is
the vaneft and vnrulyeft man in Scotland. We concluded be ane act, that
efter the fyftene day of Aprile, thair ftipendis fould be charged for be
the Collector (for we granted that fpace to them for thair recipifcenee).
Leaft the Collector forget this, it falbe meit your Maieftie command
him of new to charge and intromet with the faidis ftipendis, and to lie
oomptabill to the Commiflionaris of the Piatt thairfor, befoir the firfi
day of Junij.
I have afl'embled laitlie your Hyenes Commiflionaris, for the Vifita-
tioun of this Vniverfitie, fpecialie for taking ordour with the confufed
eftate of the rentis of the New College, the perplexitie whereof, be the
abul'e of the preceding Maifteris, hath bene fuche as wc can find no
cleir ground to fatiffie Maifter Robert Howye his great travellis and mod
laudabill fervice, whiche, as it is worthye, fo I wald wifs your Maieftie to
haif in recommendatioun. He wes vexed with the vanitie of Maifter
Johnne Johneftoun, who wold not acknowlege his fuperioritie ; and
thairfor I myndit to haif expelled him out of the College ; bot his great
inhabilitie and feiknes hath ftayed the executioun thairof. I got none
of the Counfall to help me bot my Lord of Scone, who as ever lies bene
verie fordward, and concurred with me honeftlie. I befeeche your Hyenes,
declair your acceptance of his fervice. My Lord Chancellar, at my defyn .
directed letters bothe for obedience of this vifitatioun of Fyfe be Mi- Ro-
bert Howye and me, and ficlyk letters for obedience of the vifitouris of
the Vniverfitie. I befeeche your Maieftie let this be recorded ficlyk to
him ; and give him directioun that our decreis may receave executioun,
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 131
fince thay ar all foundat vpone that Vifitatioun in Anno 1597, whereat
your Maieftie wes prefent. We haif alreddij vijited three Prejbiteries, and
lies fundin the nomber of your honeji fervandis to exceid the /editions.
We haif caused them che'ise Commiffionaris to the insewing Generall
AJfemblie, and of tuell I wilbe answerabill for nyne. This lies bene the
rnqjl feditious Province in all our kingdome. If the reft come fuehe fpeid,
I think this intendit Affemblie fall produce good effedtis.
Thus, I am fpending my tyme with great pane in this fervice, and do
l'pair nather travellis nor expenffis ; for, as my place requyres, I tak the
binding bothe of affembling and executioun of thingis concluded ; and
without thefe bothe, fuche great purpoiffis can not be accomplished. As
for vtheris quho ingyre them felffis in our effaris, they do it bot perfuncto-
riouflie, and we dar not commit our felffis to them. If it wold pleis your
Hyenes, for fupplee of my great coift, and to mak me habill to continew
with honeftie in your Hyenes fervice, to grant me the difcharge of the
fecund terme of my owne taxatioun impofed vpone my benefice, I will think
my felf greatlie eafed of my burding. And, Shir, now it is no tyme to
linger nor fpair, when turnes ar cuming to a poynt, and (bleffed be God!)
daylie we fuccede better, and I haue fund that diligent fordwardnes is
now more neceffarye then too wife pacience. This I remit to your Ma-
iefteis wife confideratioun, and howfomever no cace fhall drive me frome
profecutioun of this fervice, fo aggreabill to Goddis will, and accom-
panyed with fo many bleffingis, I hope your Maieftie wilbe fo gracious
ms to fend bak your Hyenes pleafure in all thefe particularis with als
great expeditioun as neceffitie of your Maiefteis fervice requiris. Moft
homeblie I befeeche your Maieftie to efteme this fervice fo happy and
honorabill, as I fall refufe no kynd of employment thairin, that your
Maiefteis incomparabill wifdome fall think neceffar or poffibill. I pray
God Almichtie to powre on your Hyenes foull, perfoun, and governa-
ment, all fortes of heavinlie and worldlie bleffingis ; lvk as I ftiall remane,
Your Maiefteis moft homeble fervand and devoited orator,
St Androis, 17 April 1608. Sanctandrois.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
132 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
LXXXI.-THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO MR JOHN
CALDCLEUCHE.
Lovinge Brother,
Efter my hartlie commendatiouns, ye be remembered that the
Commifiionaris of the Generall Affemblie directed us to place Mr Adam
Michell in the miniftrie of Creiche ;* and that in refpeci his Maieftie hafl
appointed the kirkis of the banifched Brethren to be planted inftantlie ;
and we fand that the Synod off Fyff had ordeined the faid Mr Adam to
be placed thair, and the Kinge, be his miffive, had ordained him to be
affigned to the ftipend thairoff ; thairfor I pray yow fpeak the Laird of
Creiche heiranent, and defyre him to be content with this determina-
tioun, and be his advyfe to appoint fum day for his orchnatioun and
appointment to that kirk; and fchaw the Kinges lettre to the Laird,
and the remanent of the parochinaris that ar of refpeci, and returne
thair anfuer to me with diligence, that, if any mak impediment, we may
heir thair obie&iounis, and anfuer thame accordinglie. Sua to meetinge
I commit yow to the grace of God,
Your awin brother,
To my lovinge brother, Sanctanorois.
Mr Johne Caldcleuche, Minifter at Ebdie.
LXXXII.— MR ANDREW BOYD, MINISTER OF EGLISHAM, TO
KING JAMES.
Lat it pleass your maist Sacred Maiestie :
Thinking quhill your Hynes remaneit in your Maiefties firft king-
dome (mekle mair now), that the verie externe fpe6tacle off fik a wreche
• Creieh, in the Presbytery of Cupar. That Mitchell was translated to Creich, appears
from the Books of Assignation of Stipends for the year 1607 ; but from the opposition
to his settlement, (see page 129), he was settled, in 1608, in the adjoining parish of Auchter-
moonsie (or Moonsie), and Mr David Kynneir became his successor as Minister of Creich.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 133
as I am fuld be a dehoneftament vnto your Hynes glorie, befyd the con-
fcience off my tenuitie in materis drawing grit confequence, coniunft with
that modeft verecundie, as in thir tymeis makis ineptituid for fuche
actis, I chofit rather to deliteffe in obfcuritie, nor to fuccumbe in wraft-
ling with fa hard preepedimentis. Yit at lenthe, to the defect off force
making fupplement be the flicht off thefe fewe lyneis, I thocht guid, nowe
feik in body, wald God (iff evin for this) haill in fpirit, bruit and pro-
babilitie induceing fufpitione off intereffe to all off my ordour in ilk infe-
quent, and in fum alfo to your Hynes excellent ftate and facred lyft'
heiranent, to profund vnto your Maieftie the beft cogitationes off my
hairt withe it felf at occafioune. Maift humlie imploreing your Celfi-
tud camehe to accept my amifiis, feing (God beiring record, as men may
alfo quha hitherto hes knawen me) I affe6t your Maieftie aboue all
leveing. Nather to exfteme wordis or mater, heir maift plaufible, to pro-
cede a spe ; for I neuer ether thocht off, nor wold, nor will accept ' hyer
place nor that quhairin as yit I have reftit : ncc a metu ; for I truft in
God my gritteft tranfgreffis fall neuer procure the leift douncaft off your
Maiefteis gracioufe eeis : nather, iff ony thing be heir placeit feming at
the firft to your Hynes mifcontentment (far be it in effe6t from all my
thochtis) ut de tuis male fentiarn, Ji tua to flowe ab indignatione ; for in
tyme paft, I neuer fkarrit, without fcruple, to wrap myfelf prcecipitanter
in the inuolucre off your Hynes will, implicite followeing on, throwe con-
fidence in the grit God ; that, feing he haithe bewtifeeit his Anoyntit
with the plenitud off all uertues, fpirituall, corporall, and ciuile, and with
immunitie from all fpectat vyceis (in baithe thir admirable to the world),
he wald not fuffer him to aberr from the poinctis off the firft and maift
notable. And nowe, Sir, in humilitie off my hairt, I requeir your Ma-
ieftie, that thefe thingis falloweing, fewe and fchort, be weyit (althocht,
perhapis, to be fund licht) in the depnes attribut be God to Princeis
meditatiounes ; quhairinto your Maieftie hihlie furmontis all your Hynes
1 Notwithstanding of this resolution, Boyd, in 1G13, was preferred to the See of
Argyle. Keith says " he was a good man, and did much good in his diocese, where
he always resided." It is to he hoped that his pastoral instructions were in a simpler
and more intelligible style than this precious samplo of pedantry, with its several pro-
fane comparisons.
134 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
louable progenitouris, and am fure fal alfo your Royell progenie till [while]
the dementis indure. That off force, iff your Hynes will not arrogat,
debt and niereit man attribut that fentence : " alyk to him bathe neuer
bene, nather alyk fall be for euer." The Ancient off dayis give dayis to
this renoneit impar.
Then, Sir, the purpoife is, to vtter vnto your Hynes my opinione and
wifles anent Papiftis, Bifchopis, Minifteris, Affemblees, maift molefting
at this tyme the queytnes off your Hynes royall mynd : the first, in all
your Maiefties bonndis, the reft in North Britanne.
1. I begin at Papiftis, as maift pernicioufe, and quhais diuelifch at-
temptis wald firft be praeuentit. Quhais cruell actiones, and your Maiefties
clement paffiones (quha to thame lies not bene Clemens, bot dementia in
abstra&o), aptlie I compair to Chryft his fecund tentatione. Thay, the
Diuil ; your Maieftie, Chryft ; conueying to the pinakle thair fecret craft,
the pinacle your Hynes clemencie ; Diuilis directione and reffone thair
crueltie, coniunct with craft ; the grund off douncaft, your Maiefties vni-
uerfall demolitione.
I will not lothe your Maieftie with Analytikis heirupon, to quhais quik
and prudent apprehenfiones a quhifpering fufurr is a fonding voce, and
ea word a commenting volume. Bot wald God, all the beating hammeris
within your Hynes dominiones war to inculcat the anfwer of Chryft in
your Maiefties earis, and forme your princelie hairt richtlie to vfe the
famin, "Noli tentare Dominum Deum tuum." Is it not, Sir, vera et mera
tentatio ; prudens J'ciens, and I man fay uolens, to perifche : And to mak
inneceffar buflines usque ad faflidium, to all the Angellis off hevin, with
inceffant attendence, ftreching owt thair handis for your Hynes pra-fer-
vatioune, quhen, be the power gevin your Maieftie, be that ea grit Angell
off grace, yea may releve all thefe Miniftrantis off thair quotidan trauelis ?
Thairfor, Sir, praying God that this confell be alfe wyfe as loueing, I
defyre, in the name of Jefus, your Hynes Croune, Religione, and facred
lyff, that all Papiftis within your Maiefties Kingdomes, withowt excep-
tioune off perfones, may have the favour of exyle, thair gudis and in-
heritance vniuerfallie annexit vnto your Royall ftate. Sa, I think, fall
your Hynes and cuntreeis be fred off the maift dangeroufe peft within ;
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 135
and being withowt, the Pape thair maifter, quhomto thay have voweit
thair inalterable alledgence, I hoipe fall be alfe much trublit with man-
tenance of thair hudge numer, as euer Charon was faid to be wereit withe
tranfporting the flaine to hell in the dayis of gritteft batellis. And
quhill thay fall not be able altogidder (mutuallie communicating thair
treffonable confellis) to refide in the Auerne of Eome, his Holynes will
relegat thame, fum to ane place, fnm to another ; fum to be pamiten-
tiaris, fum pilgrimes, fum fweperis of clofteris; that heirefter thair myndis
fall be mair exercifit vpon thair weil deferveit mifereis nor forgeing off
godles and vnnaturall Confpiraceis. Sir, A Sir ! will I end this, firft with
Echois refponfe to Chryft his iniun&ione vnto Peter, bot with a lytle
change and eik, " Simon Bar-Jona, loueis thowe me ? Pasce oues meets,
pafce agnos meos, pafce oues meas." King James, my Angel and God
on erth, loueis thowe me ? Serua oues meas, J'erua agnos meas, ferua
oues meas, ferua teipsum. Sir, truft in nane ; for althocht all as yit hes
not bene a&ouris, yit, quando omnes ejufdem farina, willeris, onlie attend-
ing tyme ; I fay agane, Sir, tibi et tuis prospice, for Jefus faik.
2. Concerning Bifchops. Since my curfe of Philofophc, thir twentie
thrie yeiris, I have approueit and wiffit the conftitutione off Epifcopatus,
Scripture indicting, Primitiue ageis with happy fruidtis frequenting,
Contentioune the dochter off Paritie requireing, and in Scotland the
neceffitie off your Maiefties hyeft Court off Parliament, craveing, that
thay not onlie, tanquam ciues regni, haue a folicit refpecl to the vniuerfall
ftate, bot principallie off the Kirk, that na thing paffe tending to the
praiiudice thairoff: vnto the quhilk, the contempt of fimple Minifteris
culd never give fik aduaunfment, quhoueuer vtherwayis baithe prudent,
erudeit, and inftructit, with fufficient credit for that purpofe ; except
fum miselli et incaute pii will dreme that a lang retroceffe of tyme (quod
a&vvaTov) hes reduceit auream atatem et Platonis rempublicam. Sed alia
tempora.
Bot, Sir, lat it lyk your Celfitud, without offence, that I fpeik fum-
• juhat frilie in this fubiect. My mynd prajgeftis that your Maieftie in-
tendis a conformitie off the Bifchops of Scotland with Ingland. Sir, I
think for my felf, that, albeit the Maifter off the play may give pairtis at
136 ORIGINAL LETTEES EELATING [1608.
his plefour, and entrie in the theatour, yit, before ether the actouris be
perfonat ritlie for this fcene, or fpectatouris for ioy off the act be moueit
to give applaufe, mony of thofe quha, in the vttermoft off thair power,
lies afliftit that State, as it was limit in our Generall Affemblie, fall lofe
thair beft and laft. And thairfor, Sir, except this be your awin onlie
foetus, vce Mis turgidulis, gloriolce cupidis qui cel/itudini tua Jempiternum
iftud exhibent negotium. And farder, iff I wald praofume off thingis mere
and hyhlie ciuile, metuo, Jed trepida Jbrmidine falfus ludar, ne di/lurbent
hcec machinam alioqui benejiatutam, that may ferve for fum graver pur-
pofe nor ever your Maieftie yit medlit with. And albeit, Sir, the extre-
mitie off your Hynes authoritie may perhaps, with the hazert of fewe,
tranfyll fum vther difficulteis, I fie vitium non infubieSio, for, in the per-
fones off my acquentance, I knawe nane bot in accidente ; for quhome
fall the conformitie off dignitie be borne owt but abundance off moyen.
And I vnderftand that fum of our Bifchops (not thay, bot thair necef-
fitie) lies bene compellit, notwithftanding the additament of your Ma-
iefties munificence, to receve gerfumis, and vther cafualiteis, bot (quhow-
euer weill ancuche willing) yit not able to beftowe ony pairt thairon"
vpon the redintegrating off thair1 ruinat beneficeis. And, laft, Sir, 1
beleue the declamationes off the Puritanis, the qu;rremoneeis off the
confynit and exylit Minifteris, and quhilk is mair, the recantatioune of
thefe quha war maift zealoufe in this mater, quos facti pcenitebit cum fen-
tient J'e latenter lusos, quhill as thai thocht off nathing bot reftrict within
the act of Affemblie. Bot quhilk is maift off all, vour Maiefteis awin
fafcherie, namelie, in the apparent euent off materis mair wechtie, with-
owt all controuerfie, fall werie your Maiefteis lang inftance, with fmall
thankis to fik importuni flagltatorcs as daylie inftigatis your Hynes heir-
vnto. And thairfor, Sir, it war beft in this purpofe that our litle
Scottifs bairge rather war firmlie anchort in littore, ornat as fche is.
nor committit rafhlie to the altum withowt competent furnitouris :
for be the lofe off ea gud pylat, a foft wind may happile overquhelnic
liir.
I direct, be the way, to our Bifchops off Scotland, thir fewe wordis
followeing : — Veteri beneuolentia meec qua nos hactenus ut par erat lubens
prosequutus fum, nouum etfatale istud, quod Romanis patagiis, Diis, homi-
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 137
nib us inuisis, ut primum vejlris appendatis, inuitus fuperinjicio. \_Di te
fortuna Deceqae alia omnes, ineptam, mancam, mutilam male perdant, qua;
nobis inconjulto Mercurio ac implacato inuidiosam hanc et inanem gloriam
contulijii.^ Modus, modus, Fratres : aut nos intra limites vejlros cohibete,
aut a me (iitut id floccis quod leuior iacturd) valete aternum.
3. Tuiching Minifteris in Scotland. Almaift in vniuerfall I fie a
future decay off Religioune, proceiding (next vnto our awin vncharitable
debaitis) from the prsefent inhabilitie and worfe apparent off the teichers
to do thair chairge throwe miferable pouertie ; the fame floweing (in all
humilitie be it fpokin) from a fpoiling victorie off your Maiefteis minifch-
ing actioune . above your Hynes munificent mynd, quha being euer in
will affectit to erect the Spirituall ftait, allvayis in one way of erectioune
Temporall, hes deiectit all. For I am able to proue, that the ftipendis
off Minifteris in vniuerfall erectiounes, with decimal inclufa, for intertein-
ment off thame felf and familie, ar not now fa ftedable as war off auld
the portiounes off fol-perfonall curiones ferving the fame kirkis. And is
it nocht to be feareit that the vniuerfall patron fall prsefent nane of
quhat qualitie foeuer, fa lang as ony can be fund ioynit to him be the
neceffitud off confanguinitie, affinitie, or quhat elfe, quha fall be able, for
fpecimen eruditionis, to get perqueir one wryttin fermon : or morum,
quhill the mater is in fieri, to luik as a Puritan, albeit a facto like
Paulus Tertius ? Sa then ob ignauiam non recusandi, for it fall be (and
almaift is alreddie) to middill with ius deuolutum, crimen capitale ; ob
culpam non rejiciendi. Quha will belle the cat to difturbe the ftatioune
off the patroneis freind ? And quhilk is mair intolerable then this '!
The ege off his eeis is altogidder confufcat quha feeis not, that particular
patronageis givein be your Hynes, and difponeit in lyk maner be thais
quhointo your Maieftie hes grantit the vniuerfalis, be tyme fall turne to
this tragaxlie : I will give yowe ten marks for hyre ; your charge fall
be, withowt the howfe, my greve and purueyer ; within, my oeconomie
and promptuar : As for the Sabothe, yea fall be only burdenit to reid a
prayer and a chaptour. Oh, then, Sir, cuius honor arii fpe, fall men tere
thair tyme to feik eruditioune ? That thay may attene to fik feruile
offices ? Xo ; I think thay fall not. Quhat then ? Ha letters, na
s
138 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
humanitie. Na humanitie (apeaov), all barbaritie. Hie hcereo, nee me
poffum eruere. Befeiking the grit and immortale God to imprent be lies
Spirit the wifdome of Jefus Chryft in your Hynes hairt, or rather raifi-
vpe and forme aricht that that is alreddie imprent : quhairby your Ma-
ieftie may apoint fum conftant mantenance for all the preacharis within
that your Hynes Kingdome : and this in your Maiefteis awin tyme.
For it may be that mifkenning Pharaohis aryfe, and fum Rhehoboamis
alfo, quha perceveing thir rodis, will perhaps extend thair fingeris to big-
nes, and tak vpe mair greuoufe fcrudges : Quod auertat Jiimmum Numen.
4. As for Affembleeis. I am not ignorant that off awld Vniuerfall
Concils pall be permiffione and indictment off Princeis, fpeciallie for
materis off Religioune, as haerefeis brak vpe. And fa, Sir, herefie off
Roman fuperftitioune in ilk corner ftill repullulating and increffing, I
think a yeirlie Generall Affemblie (throwe intermiffione quhairoff, bitter-
lie feffoneit be our awin fchifmeis, idolatroufe profeffouris lies michtile
abundit), according to your Maiefteis gratioufe act maid thairanent, fuld
(land. Bot, Sir, I am afi'ureit, intemperat behauiour, inept for the ccle-
britie off that place, and vnworthie off the prsefence off fuche a religioufe
Conflantin as mony tymeis hes decorat the famin aboue all vther thingis,
lies moueit your Hynes to dedigne that Concill. The cawfis off fik mif-
behaviour, I dowt not, your Maieflie knaweis war, the multitude of im-
pertinent actiounes, and the ineptice off euill direct Commiffionaris ; fum
young and inexpert ; fum elder nor wyfe ; fum feruide, bot na farder.
Remede heirto : Na actioune in Generall Affemblie bot off thrie forts.
1. Delatioune off tryelis, and cairfull fcrutineis of Papiftis publict and
priuat practifis, from all Prefbitereis ; with relatione thairoff to your
Hynes be your Maiefteis Commiffionar ; and the Affemblees avyfe for
redreffe : Thairefter to direct thair humill fuitt to your clemencie, as
thay fall foirfie thingis to fall owt, in prsciudice off the vniuerfall ftate off
the Kirk. Quhilk procedeing, I think, fall moue gritter diligence in the
Paflouris, with farder terrour to the aduerfars, nor ony credeit laitlie
gevin to Conftant Moderatouris. 2. Deciding Appellatiounes off minif-
teris aganeis minifteris, or bifchopis. For iff a bifchope wrang a minifter,
fall the puire minifter prouocat vnto your Royall Maieftie, and fo cum
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 139
four or five hundrethe myllis in that petitioune ? Quliat then ? De-
barrit be credeit ; fpoilit off all his yeirlie rent be trauell, returne re
infecta, that vtheris may rather chufe to ly in repting flauerie nor intend
the lyk prsefumptioune. 3. The cenfure of Bifchops : Homines enim
fumus, non Angeli : Na thing derogating, as may be owtit be argument,
to your Hynes fupreme judgment, ouer all perfones in all cawfis. The
vther remeid to mifbehaviour : None to haue commiffione vnder fourtie
yeiris off age, vnlefs he be fpectatcB grauitatis et prudentice. All materis
of leffe importance to be kepe in fynodis, prefbitereis, feffiounes, ac-
cording to our bypaft confuetude, quhairoff (prafit be God !) in remove-
ing off fcandallis and corruptioune off maneris gude fruitis lies refultit
vnto this day.
And laft of all, I wiffe your Maieftie to apoynt thrie or four off the
inaift ageit Minifteris, with alfe many expert Laweris, to examin all Actis
off all Generall Affembleis, calling away redundantis, particularis, and
impertinentis. All the reft to be collectit and committit to the preffe,
infempiternam memoriam off our Kirkis folicitude for progreffe off Reli-
gioune and Difciplin.
This fmall figne (maift Excellent, michtie, and renounet Monarch)
of loue in me, the fmalleft of all your Hynes fubiectis (efter
ardent prayer to God Immortall, that he wald in his begun
pace, fwipping away all afperiteis, leid your Hynes fmothlie ford-
wart to all the remanent digniteis that, be his prouidence, the
Royall race off nature hath produceit your Maieftie unto : Craue-
ing alfo that quhofoeuer wald difturb this sequall curfs, or think
euill, much lefs to tuiche his Anoyntit, thair bodeis may be por-
tiones for foxis, and thair houfis jaxis as the houfs of Jeroboam),
I maift humlie praefent unto your Celfitude.
[ Viuat Hex et femen eius in fceculum.^
Your Hynes pure and humil feruitour,
Bathe, xxv Ap. 1608. Ajjdro Boyd.
140 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
LXXXIII.— THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Souerane,
The beirar, the Bifchop of the Iflis, haveing the occafioun to
repair to your Majeftie for fome materis concerning the fervice in the
Iflis, we haif committit vnto him the relatioun vnto your Sacred Maieftie
how far we haue procedit in that bufynes, and what courfe is tane for
the furtherance and profequutioun of that fervice ; vnto whofe fufficiencie
remitting all thingis, we pray God to grant vnto your Maieftie, efter a
lang and happy Reigne, eternall felicitie. Frome your Maiefteis burgh
of Edinburgh, the 27 of Maij 1608.
Your Maiefteis moft humble and obedient
fubiectis and fervitouris,
Al. CanceliA
Haxyrudhous. Abercorne.
Bewly. J. Balmerino1.
Jo. Prestoun. D. Scone.
To the Kingis moft Excellent Maieftie.
LXXXIV.— THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE BURGHS TO KING JAMES.
OUR MA1ST GRATIOUS AND SoUERANE LORD,
We refeauet your Maiefties lettre direct unto ws, with your Ma-
iefties Counfallour, Sir Robert Danielftoun, Knicht, Conferuatour of your
Maiefties fubiecls of Scotland in the Law Countries, daittit at Grein-
wiche, the xv of Junij laft ; be the quhilk, we wnderftand that your
Maieftie is informet of fum prepofterous cheritabill fupplie, gevin be fum
merchantis trading in the Law Cuntries to the baneift Minifters, with the
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 141
quhilk your Maieftie is difeontent, and thairfor willing ws to reftraine that
wndewtifull impertinent fupplie. Your Maieftie hes alfo willit ws to mak
na clioife of ane Minifter, to ferue the natioun at the Campher, without
your Maiefties knawledge and approbatioun, and ficlyk that we fould
ratine the former a6tis, for eftablifching the Stapill of the natioun at the
Campheir. And laft, that we fould refpecl the bearer, quhome your
Maieftie hes fund truftie in your feruice. Pleis your Maieftie as to the
firft, everie ane of ws heir prefent hes gevin his declaratioun, that he
knaws of na kynd of fupplie gevin to thais baneift Minifters, and we
haue ordanit, that all the Magiftratis within your Maiefties burghes fould,
be your Maiefties authoritie, inhibit and difchairge all fie fupplies in tyme
dimming, and that ilk Commiffioner fould intimy the famin to his Magif-
trattis, and caus thame tak heid thairto, and puneifch the offenders fua
oft as thay can be knawin. And as to the Minifter at the Campheir, we
haue determinat and agriet, that nane falbe plaicet thair bot be your
Maiefties confent and approbatioun ; and as to the Stapill at the Cam-
pheir and conferuatour, we haue tane fie ordour thairwith, as your Ma-
ieftie hes defyrit. Forder, my Lord Conferuatour hes fchawin that your
Maieftie hes declarit wnto him the caldnes of the Burrowis, in not com-
plaining to your Maieftie vpoun the frequent reforting of Papiftis and
Jefuittis within this realme. We ar greatlie bund to thank your Ma-
ieftie, that has fie rememberance and zeall of religioun, as to fteir and
waikin ws vp to the doing of our dewties ; and thairfoir, be the graice
of God, expecting your Maiefties help and concurrence, we falbe mair
i -aii-full to effeciuat that pairt of our dewties to our power. And we ar
this bauld to requyr your Maiefties authoritie, with the mair fchairp
and fpeidie executioun ; and thairfoir, we pray your Maieftie maift hum-
blie to hald hand thairto, and to vrge the remanent magiftrattis of the
realme to ane mair vigilant cair in difchairging the dewties of thair
offices in that behalf, quhilk we dout not but ye will do. We alfo ar this
humelie to pray you, that ane warrant may be direct to the poft maifters
betuix Londoun and Edinburght, to tak the merchant pakkat, to be
faiflie delyuerit, as your Maieftie hes grantit to the Flemyngis, quhilk
wilbe ane great farderance to the negotiatioun of your Maiefties fub-
iectis of Scotland : to the quhilk office of refait and delyuerie of pakattis,
142 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
we think your Maiefties fubiecl, James Bannatyne, refident at Lou-
doun, raaifl apt and qualifiet. And fua, praying the Lord to multiple
your Maiefties dayis with ws, in ane happie governament, we commit
your Maieftie to his mercifull proteclioun. From Selkirk, this aucht
day of Julij 1608.
Your maift humble and obedient fubie&is, The
Commissioners of yock Maiesties Birghes
of Scotland laitlie convenit at Selkirk, fub-
fcryvand by our commoun Clerk of Conven-
tioun at our command.
(Indorfed.)
The copy of the letter fent be the Burrowes to the
Kings Maieftie, with Sir Alexander Hay.
LXXXV.— KING JAMES TO SIR J. HOUSTONE, PROVOST OF GLASGOW.'
James R.
Truftie and weilbeloved, We greit yow well. Whereas We have
licenced the Generall Affembly of the Church of that Kingdome to be
kept the laft Twefday of Julye next, at Our burgh of Linlithgowe, afwell
for compofing the prefent differences in the fame, as for fome order to be
taken with this great increafe and growthe of Papiftis within that King-
dome. To the effect therefore that all things may be dewly ordered, and
in decent forme proceeded into, and knowing that your prefence there
may doe much good, We are to defire yow earneftly noe way to be abfent
from that Affembly. And by your counfell and advice to further the
pacifeing of all queftioun that is prefentlie in the Church, and to affift
any fuch courfe that fhalbe propounded for fuppreffing of contrarie pro-
1 Part of the address of this letter is torn, but it evidently was directed to Sir John
Houstone : See pages 127 and 1G9. Similar missives no doubt, as usual, had been sent
to the various persons of note who were present at the General Assembly in 1608.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 143
feffors; wherein noe way doubting but your owne zeale and affectioun
to the truth profeffed falbe motives fufficient, ye fhall alfo therewith
gaine Our fpeciall thanks, according as yow will learne more particular-
lie from Our right truftie coufeing and counfellour, the Earle of Dom-
barr, whome We have fent, with fpeciall creditt, as our Commiffioner to
that meeting. And foe We bid yow farewell. From Our Courte at
Grenewich, the xiiijth of Junij 1608.
LXXXVI.— KING JAMES TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY AT LINLITHGOW.
James R.
Right trufty and welbeloued Cofens, Counfellouris, and others, Our
beloved fubjectes, conveined in this prefent Affemblie, Wee greite yon
well. Whereas Wee haue bene earneftlie follicited by the Byihoppes and
a nomber of Minifters within that Our Kingdom, who conuened at
Falkland the xv of Junij laft, to giue licence to the holding of a Gene-
rall Affembly vpon the xxvi of Julij, which was the day prefixt in Our
laft proclamatioun made thereanent, and haue bene alfo by them in-
treated to directe fome religious Nobleman for Our Commiffioner, who
fhould haue care of the peaceable proceeding of the faid Affemblie, and
that nothing fhould be proponed or handled therein which might caufe
ftrife and debate, as in the articles directed to Vs from the faid meeting
is conteyned : Wee, of ane earneft zeale and affection to the advance-
ment of trew religion, fuppreffing of Papiftis, and the well-ordering of
the affaires of that Church (which, by the former continuation of Affem-
blyes, haue bene thought to receaue fome prejudice), haue graunted
Our licence to this your meeting, tranflating the place thereof vpon
moft juft caufes, to Our borough of Lynlithgow, as in our proclamation
made thereanent yow haue beene particularelie certified, and haue made
choyfe of Our right trufty cofen and counfellour, the Erie of Dumbar, to
be Our Commiffioner in this Affembly, as being in all your knowlege
well affected to the peace of the Church, and one againft whome no ex-
ceptions can be taken in his religion, that he, by his prefence amongft
144 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
vow (whome Woe wold haue to be fo refpeeied and accompted of l>v
yow as if Wee Our felfe were there in perfone), may fo reule and order
maters at this your Affemblie, as, with that freedome which is dew and
lawfull in fuch meetinges, for euery one in decent forme to deliuer his
minde (which "Wee no way do intende to impare), a reftraint may be of
nil impertinent and infolent difcourfes, too frequent heirtofore amongft
yow, and which Wee hope, in your owne difcretion, flialbe hereafter for-
borne, fince all diforderlie fpeeches, warranted vpon the infpiration of
the Spirit being the ordinary alleged ground of all the foolifh new found
fe6tes in Europe, ought to be abhorred by all good Chriftians, and moft
of all by the preachers of the word, who of all others fhould be moft
free of thofe fantafticall imaginary conceiptes. And therefore, whereas
the former delayes of this your Aflembly (which of Our felfe Wee de-
iired to haue held long ago) haue bene occafioned by the maligne difpo-
fition of fome Minifters, who, adhering to the proud and contemptuous
mifbehaviour of thofe who did ineete at that Conuenticle of Aberdein,
are only fette to fofter factions and difcordes in the Church, hauing no
other ende propofed to them felues but the feruing of their wicked and
diftempered humour, Our defire and affured hope now is, that yee will
kyth to the world, in this your meeting, your earneft affection to the
well of that Church, and the peace and quyetnes thereof, which of any
thing elfe Wee do moft thirft and long after : And there being two mavn
poyntes to be confidered by yow herein, to witte, the fuppreffion of the
common enemie, and remouing of the inteftine difcord, the laft whereof,
as it muft arife vpon fome good folide aduice and deliberation amongft
your felves, how and by what meanes the fame may moft furely and
ealily be remoued, fo the firft, by your concord and the affiftance of Our
au&ority (whereof you fliall affure your felves to Our vttermoft), may
eafily be compaffed. Vpon which pointes, fince yee are to meete and
deliberate in the prefence of Our laid Commiffioner (who will make to
Vs a true reporte of every man his cariage in the prcmifies), Wee wolde
defire all of yow to kyth that which becometh yow, and which Wee ex-
pecle at your handes : And perfwading ourfelfe of a godlie ftrife and
emulation amongft yow, every one preafing in godlie and dewtifull maner
to furpaffe his brother in earncftnes, feruent zeale, and loue, which is Our
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 145
greateft ayme and defire : And wifhing from God a bleffed fuccefl'e to
your proceedinges, Wee bid you all right heartely farewell. At Our
Courte at Theobaldes, the xxth of Julie 1608.
To Our right trufty and welbeloued Cofens,
Counfellors, and others affembled at the
Generall Affembly of the Church of Scot-
land, Thefe.
LXXXVIL— THE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Solerane,
It may pleis your Maieftie : We haif endit our Affemblie, quhich
wes verry frequent, Noblemen, Barronis, Commiflionaris of Burrowis,
and Minifters, in number beyond ony Affemblie that we haif fene thir
mony yeiris.1 The Bifchop of Orknay wes chuifit Moderatour, althocht
the votes paffit hardlie aneuch, for he caryit it be thrie onlie fra Mr
Patrik Symibne ; yit lies prefeidit in fuche maner that thay all think
the votes went happilie, nothing being concludit bot with the grit con-
tentment of all : quhairin quhat hes bene the wyfe and diligent cair of
your Maiefties Commiffionar we can not be wryting expres. Neuir, Sir,
wes more travell takin be our adverfaries to difapoint your Hienes fer-
vice, and continewall lawboring be day and nycht during all the tyme of
the Affemblie to raife trowbill, and crofs your Hienes purpois ; bot by
his wifdome and dexteritie thay haif bene fo preventit, as euerie thing,
praifit be God, hes fallin contrarie to thair defyris, and your Maieftie
hes obtenit, with ane grit confent of all, the verry fame thing that wes
intendit. Amangis all the fervices done be his Lordfhip, quhilkis haif
bene many, we efteme this, in regaird of the difficultie in compafling, and
1 The General Assembly met at Linlithgow on the 26th of July 1608. The names
of the principal persons who were present will be found in the Book of the Uni-
\ersall Kirk, vol. iii. pp. 1046 — 1063. See also Calderwood's History, vol. vi. pp.
751—776.
146 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
confequence of that quhilk is done, to be the gritteft. The Affemblie,
following the verry pointis of your Maiefteis Letter, inquyrit firft vpoun
the Papiftis, and numberis of thame, quha ar fund to be mony raae nor we
had belevit : thair names ar inrollit, and the cauffes of the growth of
Papiftrie condifcendit vpoun, with fum ovirturis for remeid, quliilk ar all
to be prefentit, in moft humble forte, to your Maieftie, be certane that
ar appointed by the Affemblie to mak thair petitionis for redres of the
faidis evillis. And as to the diftra&ionis amangis our felfis, thay ar
now, thankis to God, at ane end, the Minifters being reconeilit to ws
in ane maift hairtie affe<5tioun, and ane act be thair awin confent fet
doun, that no medling be ony more in pulpet with the contraverfies of
Discipline ; and no inve6Uonis aganis any Bifchopis or vtheris, vnder the
pane of moft fcharpe cenfures ; quhilk act wes fuorne vnto be all with
lifting vp of handis. The differences that ar refting amangis ws in
opinioun ar referrit to ane number of Commiffionaris, that haif powar
to convein with your Maieftie, or fuche of your Hienes Counfall as falbe
appointit, to treate, reafoun, and agrie vpoun thefe contraverfies ; the
Commiffionars of the Generall Affemblie being approvit in the face of
the Affemblie, haif a new Commiffioun grantit to thame as of befoir ; fo
as now, Sir, we hoip for ane end of our contentionis, and a prevailling
in your Hienes fervice, in quhiche euerie man will ftrive to be fordwart
for the fupprefing of the Papift, our commoun adverfare, for quhilk we
muft ftill intreat your Maiefties favorabill affiftance, both for the faiftie
of our Kirk, and the gude fucces of all your Hienes vther effairis. The
Marques of Huntlie, for his infolent behaviour at Abirdene, during this
his confyneing, and the feir vniuerfallie profeft be the Minifteris in thefe
pairtis, quha declairit that, without the. hafert of thair lyfis, thay culd not
proceid to the fentence in the proces quhiche thay had deducit, wes in
the Affemblie oppinlie excommunicate, with many tearis of thofe that
wer prefent. The proces of the vther tua Erles is commandit to be maid
betuix and tbe auchtene of September.
The reft of the particulars, and thefe thingis that belong to our effairis,
we remit to the declaratioun of the Archibifchop of Glafgow, quho is
one of the Commiffionaris appointit be the Affemblie for prefenting thair
humble petitionis to your Maieftie. Yit we can not omit to fchow your
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 147
Hienes that Doctor Abbotis ' had heir ane excellent fermone in prefens of
the Affemblie, quhairby he perfuadit ws michtilie to peace and luif to-
wards vtheris, quhilk wes fua weill acceptit, as he had publict thankis
decernit to him be the hoill Affemblie, and fyve or fex of thair number
direct to him for that purpois. Oure Affemblie, that in the begynning
kythit fum grit diverfitie in thair votes, endit with tinging of the Pfalme,
Ecce quam bonum et quam jocundum, &c. And thus we bring to your
Majeftie for this tyme acceptable newis, praying God to blifs your Maiel-
tie with peace and glorie in this lyfe, and endles felicitie in the world to
cum. Amen.
Linlythgow the laft day of Julij 1608.
Your Maiefties moft humble fervandis and fubjectis,
Sanctandrois.
M. A. Brechin. Glasgow.
Ja. B. of Orcads. Dunkeld.
Al. Cathnes. B. Galloway.
To his moft Excellent Majeftie.
LXXXVIH.— THE BISHOP OF DURHAM TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratiotjs and dread Soueraigne,
Your Majefties fending hither into the North your twoe worthie
fervaunts, Sir James Altham and Sir Edward Phelipps, to be your
Juftices Itinerant, hath this yeare 2 gewen (as the laft it did) to all your
Maiefties good fubiecTs here great comfort and contentacion, whofe <;heife
1 Dr George Abbot, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury.
* Evidently the year 1608. See the Bishop of Durham's letter, No. LXIX., respecting
these Judges Itinerant, in September 1607. Calderwood takes notice of a Sermon that H as
preached before them at Newcastle, on the 11th of August 1608 (Hist. vol. vi. p. 780.)
148 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1G08.
defire was to promote Gods glorie and your Maiefties fervice, with all
(([nail, iuft, and moderat proceedings, and would no doubt have brought
forth a plentifull harveft, if it had pleafed God to have fent good ground
for foe good feede. But he whoe never fleepeth hath and doth among
the wheat fowe tares.
At an Ecclefiaftical' Commiffion held here in June laft, dyverfe Re-
culants were called before vs ; fome of long continuance, fome falne
in your Maiefties tyme, with whome we had treated by all Chriftian,
peaceable, and loving meanes ; and fome of the cheife of them, vpon
a conftant report that they were all againe reconciled to the Pope
(being obftinat), were afked, whither they would, yf not come to Church,
yet againe take the Oathe of Allegiance, thereby to geve fatiffa&ion
that they remained your Maiefties fubiecis for their civill obedience.
Eight of them, neither of the belt, nor of the meaneft fort, but all
gent of fome place, wilfully (notwithstanding tyme of deliberation
was geven them by vs) refufed it, and fome of them in ill fort.
Wherevpon we committed the faid eight vntill your Maiefties Juftices
of Affife fhould come. In the meane tyme, both my felfe and others
conferred with them, at feverall tymes, letting them khowe that nothing
was defired but that the world might fee (whereof there is too iuft caufe
to doubt) that they continued in your Maiefties allegiance ; but all was
in vaine, foe were fome of them prepared and hardned. At theis Affifes,
Sir Ed. Phelipps and my felfe (knowing your Maiefties tender and gra-
tious affection towards all your fubie&s) dealt with twoe of the chiefe of
them, either of vs privatly, in the bell maner that we could devife ; but
not finding them foe tractable as we defired, the fcandall of their refufing
being now become open, and the opinion generally conceyued that they
were (notwithftanding their former Oathes) againe reconciled to the
Pope ; it was thought meet againe to tender it vnto them. Six of them
openly againe tooke it, and twoe recufants ; but twoe of them, notwith-
ftanding they had heard what had bene faid, and feene what had bene
done by their fellowes, obftinatly and ftubbornly refufed it. Sir Edward
Phelipps, defirous to fatiffie them, did particularly goe to euery part of
the Oath, afking what therein they could except againft. The firft of
them (a draper in Durefme) approved all, vntill he came to that point
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 149
wherein he muft fweare that he is in confcience perfwaded that the Pope
cannot difpence with his Oath, and from that he could not be brought,
by many reafons to him publiquely geven. The other (although uery
intelligent) pretended ignorance ; and being afked whie he could not
now take it afwell as formerly he had done, faid, that he tooke it then
as he was then perfwaded, but now thinketh, that as a Catholike (as he
termeth himfelfe) he may not take it. Wherevpon, after many perfwa-
tions by the Judge, others, and my felfe (all which were in vaine), they
twoe were indicted of a Premunire, and by a jury of twelue, knights,
efquires, and gent (of the beft then prefent at your Maiefties fervice),
Sir Charles Wrenn (whome it pleafed your Maieftie to honour with
knighthood at my humble fuite) being foreman, they were found guiltie.
I may not fay as he faith, Ex vno disce omnes ; but your Maieftie may
hereby fee what the Popes pra&izers haue wrought, and how farr (not-
withstanding their former Oathes) they are relapfed. This a6t was pub-
lique, and the report is true, and I praye God your Maieftie may knowe
in tyme the harts of all whoe Hand foe daungeroufly affecled. It pleafed
God, that the firft requiuocating preift, Sicklemore, was brought to me
to Durefme (I then being Deane), whereby fbme light was geven, to
meet wherewith that worthie Oathe of Allegiance was firft ordained.
Now, at this Affife at Durefme, this falleth out, which is a ftubborne
revoult from faith and obedience formerly geven to your Maieftie. This
I may be bould to affure your Maieftie, that howfoever the Papifts fhall
traduce vs, your Maiefties poore fervaunts, in the Ecclefiafticall Commif-
fion for committing them, and your worthie Judge, after their convic-
tion, for condemning them, yet an hundred for one doe bleffe God for
foe honorable an execution of your Maiefties lawes ; and all theire frends
that haue bene with me (to vfe their owne wordes) are afhamed of their
infolent and proude Popery; and the example, I hope, will confyrme
your Maiefties good fubie&s, and deterr others from daring to doe the
like. And if it may feeme good to your Maieftie that the like courfe
may be held in other parts of your Maiefties kingdome, it cannot but
worke the like or better effects.
Your molt excellent Maieftie muft pardon me, if in this (as in all other
my former letters) I touch ftill the treble (nay, I feare, the trouble ftring).
150 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
Our clieife Recufants have their lands and lyvings, and their dew debts
vnto your Maieftie, flailed nothing neere the valew thereof. Some of them
growe rich ; all of them are freed from your Maiefties fervice ; all or moft
of them are become infolent, and bring vp their children, fome, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, or 10 in a famelie, at menn and woemens cftates, all in difobedience to
the lawes of God and your Maieftie. And although fome of them goe to
i'choole in the Church, yet when the bell ringeth to prayers, it is a watch-
worde for them (fuch is their parents direction) to fhunne the church, and
as they bring them vp, foe we fee that in theire marriages they dayly be-
ftowe them. What their parents meane, and what may become of their
childrens children, God onely knoweth, and I doubt not but your Ma-
ieftie, in your princely wifedome, confidereth.
Your Maiefties late letters, touching mufters, and furvey of your
people, were by me made knowne to the Juftices at our late Affifes ;
and I doubt not but your Maieftie lhall receyve, ere long be, as good
and dutifull an execution thereof, as in other fervice hath bene done,
which your Maieftie hath commaunded in theis parts.
Many other things I have made bould to impart to the honorable
and noble Earle of Dunbarr, whoe, as he hath, beyond all expectation
and hope, fetled peace and order in the middle fhires, foe I hope that
by his meanes and mediation your Maieftie may fee, both in theis parts
and Scotland, peace and quietnes in the Church, and among your Ma-
iefties (yet refractarie) people. We, your Maiefties poore Cleargy, in
theis middle fhires, next vnder God, and your Maieftie, have our greateft
hope of reformation by his honorable, religious, and zealous promoting
of Gods glory and your Maiefties fervice.
And thus moft humbly craving your Maiefties pardon for this my tedi-
ous bouldnes, befeeching Allmightie God long to bleffe and preferve
your Maieftie, and all yours, I for this tyme doe humbly take my leave,
Your Maiefties moft humble and
faithfull fubiect and fervaunt,
To my moft renoumed and dread Soueraigne, W. Dubesme.
the Kinges moft Excellent Maieftie.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 151
LXXXIX.— THE PRESBYTERY OF EDINBURGH TO KING JAMES.
Please tour Majestie :
The neceffitie of fome of our Church affaires hes maid us bold to
prefent humblie to your Majeftie our Complaint, which is, that the Lord
Chancellar having in Erection an benefice of cure, under the name of the
Preceptorie of SaincVAntones, an perfonage and vicarage, which in old
time of Papiftrie ferved the cure of the Church of Hailles, notwithftand-
ing refufis to give maintenance, or half-maintenance, for ferving the faid
church; and therefore the Minifter thereat, forced be neceffitie, hes
obtained, at our laft Affemblie, liberty to remoue tharefra : ' So the faid
church fhall remaine deftitute of Gods worfhip. Your Majeftie hes
taken ordour graciouflie, with the reft of the Erections, that the churches
may be planted. We humblie requeift your Hienes, ather be com-
mandement to the faid Chancellar, or direction to your Majefties Coun-
cill, or to the Modiefiers of the nixt Piatt, to caufe feek out fome meane,
that a congregation fo neare Edinburgh, ferved ever fince the Reforma-
tion of Religion, be not difplanted be the evill will of evill meaning men.
Craving humblie pardon for our boldnes in prefenting fuch bafe futes to
your Hienes, and trailing to your gracious refpect to the meaneft turne
of Gods houfe, humblie takes our leave, commending your Hienes to the
grace of the molt High. At Edinburgh, in our Prefbyterie, the fixtenth
day of Auguft 1608.
Your Majefties moift bounden and obedient fubjecls,
Jo. Hall, Moderator, for the Prefbyterie.
Chables Lummisdene, Clerk to the Prefby-
terie of Edinburgh.
To the Kingis moft Excellent Majeftie.
1 Some arrangements appear to have been made in regard to the stipend ; as Mr James
Thomson, who was " planted" at Hailles, in May 1598, continued Minister in that parish
for several years subsequent to the date of this letter.
152 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
XC— THE BISHOP OF THE ISLES TO KING JAMES.
Pleas tour Sacreit Maiestie :
According to your Hiechnes dire&ioun, as your Maiefteis Leu-
tenent1 haith laitlie vifitat your Hechnes Weft Iflandis, whair alfo the
cheif men of your Maiefteis North Ifles did alfo meit his Lordfchip, with
fuch obediens to thais your Heichnes lawes pra&ifeth be his Lordfchip,
as the teftemoneis reportit will beir fufticient record ; fa haue I, being
ewir in cumpane with his Lordfchip, faythfullie writtin the trew hiftorie
of the fpeciall turnes of ony importance wiche was done euery day of
that jurney, and that to your Maiefteis Secretar for Scotland, that thair-
by, he being warrandit to giwe your Maieftie informatioun of the trewth,
your Heichnes may be inarmit aganis fynifterous reporters of our pro-
cedinges, of the whiche diuerfe perhaps may be prefentit to your Maief-
teis facred eares; as alfo, wndirftand how eafe it is to your Maiefte
(with a lytill help of the adwyfe of fie as lies bene thair, and fene and
confidderit the prefent eftait of thais folkis, now woid of the trew know-
lege of God; ignorant of the meft pairt of your Maieftes lawes, and
thair dewate towarttis thair dreid Souerane, without ciuilite or humaine
fociete, and yit wrappit in ane fervill feir of the executioun of your
Maiefteis iuftle conceawit wrath aganis tham), out of the deipnes of your
Maiefteis heich wifdome, to eftablifche and induce thame all, without
hoftelite or openyng of your Hines cofferis, to accept of fuch a foleit
ordour as may reduce tham to ane haifte reformatioun, in na aige her-
eftir to altir ; the which fall be retenit and committit to eternall memore,
as ane of your Heichnes notabill workis, wncomparabill with the maift
Angular a&es of the moft famous ancient Imperouris, of the wiche the
moft worthe could newir atteine to that honour, and fall teftefe your
Maiefteis wifdome and aclfoun to exceid, alfe far the moft wyfe and
waliant pra&iflis of your Heichnes nobill progenitouris, as your Heich-
nes dominiones ar inlargeit beyond thaires. Nather can the prais nor
1 Andrew third Lord Ochiltree.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 153
honour heirof be gewin to ony inftrument imployit be your Maiefte in
this ferweice, albeit boith your Maiefteis Leutenent and Admirall hes
kythit thair curage, vifdome, and ernift effeclioun to furthir this work ;
bot firft to God, and than to your Maieftes felf his Anoyntit, whom he
hes ewir bliffit, profpere, and brocht to ane happe end all your Heichnes
exploytes, without crewelte, nochtwithftanding of the waiknes of the
fecound inftrumentis, thai following furth the meanes your Heichnes hes
vfit, wyifle and mercifulle to direct, of the wiche we, all your Maiefteis
fubie&is, hes fure and confortabill experiens. And fwa, nocht douting
bot your Maiefte will follow furth this happe work with niatur delibera-
tioun, I moft effecteouflie befeik your Heichnes, that feing my ould aige
dayle crepis on,1 and be thir trubilfum jurneyes now femis to mak gritter
haift nor ofbefoir, and my credeit amangis thir folkis, be the forme of
this laft aclioun practifchit amangis tham, fumwhat (as apperis) demi-
nifchit, that it mycht pleas your Maiefte to appoynt fum wther of yonger
aige, gritter curage, bettir difcretioun and credeit in thais cuntreis, to
this charge, and that I may be permittit to ceife fra fuch virifum tra-
wellis, and end the remanent of my dayes in the exerceis of fum poyntes
of my calling, and in fpeciall in praying to God, the Fathir of our Lord
Jefu Chryft, to continew with ws thais manefauld bliffingis, fpirituall and
temporall, wiche all the pairtes of your Heichnes dominiones inioyes be
your Maieftes happe gouernament, the wich I befeik his dewyne Maiefte,
in his grit mercie, to continew long and profperouflie with vs, and that
our fucceffouris may reioife in the lyk, be the futur rigne of your Heich-
nes royall progene, and that ewir, to the laft cuming of the grit Judge of
the world.
Ane of your Sacreit Maiefteis moft wnvorthe fubiectes,
Kintera, the xvij of September 1608. An. Isles.
To his maift Excellent Majeftie.
1 Mr Andrew Knox, who had been Minister of Paisley for upwards of thirty years,
was made Bishop of the Isles, and Abbot of Icolmkill, in 1606 ; and was afterwards trans-
lated to the See of Eaphoe in Ireland. He survived till 1632.
U
154 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
XCI— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Souerane,
May it pleis your moil Excellent Maieftie : As your Hienes hath
hirnefit vnto me mater of incomparabill joy and comfort, be gude accep-
tance of my laft fupplicatiouns and advertifementis, fent to your Maief-
ties moft gratious hand be Maifler Jofwa Dury,1 quhairby I am not only
reveivit, bot alfo animat with new fpirit and curage to be mair fordwart
than ever I have bein in all your Maiefties fervices : So I moft talc the
boldnes to recomend to your Maiefties confideratioun and gratious
allowance all fuche perfouns of qualitie and ftaitt as ar futteft to be
imployit in fervice, ather for thair place or found meining, efter that I
haue moft humblie beggit of your Maieftie pardoun for my too too grit
credulitie in fuche caiffis.
My Lord Erie of Crawfurd, quha is ane of your Maiefties moft an-
cient and nobill Barouns, hath gevin to me fuch efperance of weill
doing and repairing of all his former loflis, with your Maiefties royall
ayde, togidder with fie ane nobill cariage in the executioun of all your
Maiefties direcliouns, fpecialie for defence of our eftaitt, that I pre-
fume to recomend to your Maiefties gude confideratioun the eftaitt of
that nobill man and his hous, that he may be prefervit for all gude
fervices that your Maieftie lies in this contrey : for ane man of that
following, place, and curage, quhairwith he is indewit, is meitter to
be acknowlegeit and charrefit than theife quha, being moir ignobill
myndit, feik gaine bothe of Prince and people, and in the mean tyme
will prevaricat in thair Soverane Lordis fpeciall imploymentis. He hes
fum apparent challenge of richt to this benefice of Meiggill, wiche your
Maieftie hath beftowit for the fupplie of the waiknes of the Bifchoprick
of Dunkell.2 I muft be humbill fupplicant for that Bifchoprik, wiche is
1 Son of John Durie, Minister of Edinburgh : See note to No. XXX. At this period
lie was Second Minister of St Andrews.
1 The Kirk of Meigill was annexed to the Bishoprick of Dunkeld, 1 1th August 1607.
(Acta Pari. Scot., vol. iv. p. 372.)
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 155
the firft of this my province of San&androis, for the Bifchoprik can not
fubfift with out it. How honeft and forduart his Lordfchip wes at this
kit Affembley of Lithgow, I refer to the declaratioun of your Maiefties
inoft worthie, vyfe, and painefull Commiffionar, the Erie of Dumbar ;
and how reddy his Lordfchip is to aflift me, I can not diffembill, vnles 1
wer ingraitt and vndewtifull. Wiche kyndnes and forduartnes for my
behalf, I tak it to cum, not fo muche of ony regaird of my perfoun, as
for regaird he hes to your Maiefties direclioun, and to the affeclioun that
he knowis your Maieftie bearis to ws, and the fervice committit to ws be
God and your Maieftie. Thus I commit, with all my hart, your Maief-
ties royall perfoun and eftait to the blefling and mentinance of Him whois
Lievetenent and Image yow ar. I fall remaine,
Your Maiefteis moft humbill fervand and affectionat Oratour,
Sanctandrois, 3 Octob. 1608. Saxctandrois.1
To his moft Sacratt Maieftie.
XCII — THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Souerane,
This beirair, the Bifchop of the Yllis, having the occafioun to re-
pair towardis your Sacred Maieftie, we half thoght meit to accompany
him with this our teftimonie, and approbatioun of his dewtifull cariage
and behauiour in your Majefteis feruice in the Yllis, wherein he hes
caryed him felff with very goode credite and reputatioun, and is able, be
his counfaill and aduyfe (in refpect of his awne credite and freindfhipp
amangs the Yllismen), to do vnto your Maieftie goode feruice thair.
And fua recommending him vnto your Sacred Maieftie, and moft hume-
lie befeiking your Heynes to heir him in fuche thingis as he will propone
1 Indorsed,—" B. of St Andrews to the King, in fawores of the Erll of Crawford, for
his fordwardnes to advance Episcopacy. Oct. 3, 1608."
156 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
anent the profequutioun of this feruice, we pray God to hliffe your
Sacred Maieftie with all happynes and felicitie, and reftis for ever,
Your Maiefteis moil humble and obedyent
fubjectis and fervitouris,
Al. Cancell.
ToRPHECHIN. ROSS.
Cls. Registri. Buleclughe.
M. A. Elphinston. Halyrudhous.
Jo. Prestoun. S. T. Hamilton.
Edinburgh, 13 October 1608.
To the Kingis moft Excellent Maieftie.
XCIII MR ROBERT DURIE, MINISTER,1 TO KING JAMES.
Please your Maiestie,
Moft dread Soverane, I have hard of lait, that your Maieftie lies
conceaued a new offence againft me, be occafione of a fpeach which (as
is reported) the Conferuatour lies fpoken to your Hienes of me, namlie,
that I fuld have faid to him, be way of traducing your Hienes, that your
Maieftie gave way to the rebellione in Irlande, to the end your Hienes
mycht feem conftraingned to grant toleration to the Papiftes ; wherin, if
he or any vther lies fo reported of me, both your Maieftie and I fuffer
great wrong. If ther had been fuch curfed intentione in me, as to tra-
' Mr Robert Durie, Minister of Anstruther, after his banishment to France in 1606,
proceeded to Holland. The Archbishop of St Andrews, in April 1608 (see p. 129), refers
to his anxiety to be allowed to return to Scotland ; but this privilege was refused by hia
Majesty. In 1609, Durie became first Minister of the Scottish Church in Leyden, which
WM then instituted and endowed by the States of Holland. He died in September 1 •> 1 • '■•
— (Steven's Hist, of the Scottish Church, Rotterdam, p. :tl2.)
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AEFAIRS. 157
duce your Maieftie (which the Searcher of all heartes knawes, was and
is fare fra my heart), it is not probable that I wald have done it to fuch
a perfone, who I knaw fo reuerences and affe&es your Maieftie, accord-
ing to his bound dewtie. It is trew, that becaufe I wes in conference
with ray Lord Confervitore, and having occafione to be among ftrangeres
who wer talking of the overfight and places that Papiftes hes vnder your
Hienes, and remembering how it wes fpokin of, that Papiftis had great
credit, materes of Yrland wer not much regairded, and that the nomber
of Romifhe Catholickes did greatlie growe ; this, faid thay, apparentlie
might bring in libertie of Poprie, ather be neceffitie or be fome courfe
of policie. Xow, becaufe the Conferuator is one of your Hienes Coun-
cele, and myght fom tyme have occafione to fpeak a word in feafone to
your Hienes, how ftrangeres fcanfes of thinges that thay heir, and fo
myght giv councele fore remeading fuch thinges as any way might feem
to hinder the growth of your Maiefties honorable and glorioufe eftima-
tion among the godlie ; therefore, be way of information, and report of
the fpech of vtheris, I did report fecretlie, none being witnes betwix him
and me bot God, what wes fpokin be vtheris ; lyk as, if I had been in
credit my felf, and cowld have found convenient opportunitie at that
tyme, I wald have thoght it my dewtie to have craved pardone of your
Hienes, to have fpokin to your Maieftie all that I fpak to the Conferva-
tour ; lyk as fra my heart, I defire the increfe of your Hienes good efti-
mation, and wald hav everie thing removed that may hinder the growth
of the famyn. In end, it wes fubjoyned, that I trufted the Rebellione
in Yrland fuld move your Maieftie to tak fuch ordour, that all thefe
doubtes fuld be takin out of menes myndis. This, Sir, is the fimple
trewth of that mater, and if ather the Conferuatour or any vther (yet, to
my rememberance, I had no fpeech of fuch mater bot with him) hes
fpokin vther wayfe, the thing I faid is far miftakin ; and that which I
reported as the fpeech of another, be way of information, is gevin out to
your Maieftie in my name be way of affertione : Heerof it proceedes,
that the thing done be me, with a dewtifull and reverend affection of
heart toward your Hienes, is imput to me, as if I had traduced my Lord
the King, which God and men knawes my heart hes ever abhored to
do to any, bot much mor to my Soverane Lord. Alwayfe, Sir, it will
153 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
pleafe your Maieftie to tak notice of the purpofe of my heart in thi.^
mater, as alfo of the circumftances in vttering my dewtifull affection to
your Hienes cftimation, and what your Maieftie judges that I Lave
offendit. in any circumftance in this mater, as I mail wnderftand tliairof,
I will in all humilitie of heart acknawledg, and crave pardone for the
fame, perfwaded, that the trewth of that mater being knawin as it wes,
your Maieftie will never imput it as any giltines to me, hot (according
to my earneft defyre) freelie forgive whatfoever overfight that, throw my
fimplicitie and good intentione, may accidentlie have efchaped me lieirin.
Now, I befech the Lord to blife your Maiefties Royale perfone and
government, with your Queen and princelie pofteritie, with all good blif-
finges for this lyf and that which is to come, and eftablifh your throne
vnto the coming of our Lord in the cloudes, to fet all thinges in ordour.
Amen.
Your Maiefties loyell and faythfull fubiecL
humble fupplicant, and daylie oratour,
Mr Robert Dcrie.
Middelbrughe, the 21 of October 1608.
XCIV.— MR JOHN FORBES TO THE KING.
It may please your Sacred Maiestie,
As I had refolued to trouble your Maieftie no moir, your Maief-
tie not willing to heir from me any moir, fo did I think that no man
fuld haw1 bein fo malicious whom my bypaft troubles fuld not haw flayed
from feiking any forder harm ; bot now heiring that the Confervitour
fould inform your Maieftie of traducing fpeaches vttered be me aganlt
your Maieftie, I moft craw 2 pardoun of your Hienes to declar my inno-
cence. The Lord lies laid this law vpon me, that I fuld not fpeak evill
of the Prince of my peple ; the confcienc of whiche dutie hes, dois, and
ftill I hoip by Godis grace fall inforce me to tak head to my fpeaches
1 " Haw," — s " craw," for " have," " crave :" the writer, it will be observed, was vci \
■paring in his use of the final e in many of his words.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 159
of your Maieftie, althocht ther wer no man to controll me, and befyd
the teftimonie of my awin confcienc, I knaw there is no plac wher I
haw bein, nor Princ or any vther perfoun with whom I haw conferred,
bot can and, if neid beis, wil witnes whow conflantlie I haw ftand to the
defence of your Maiefties honour aganft all finiftrous, ather reportis or
conceitis of men, even fpeciallie in that fam wherin I am now traduced ;
nether ever remember I that euer to any I did fpeak any thing that
micht haw giffin the fmalleft occafion to forge fuche a calumnie, except
only that conference twiching your Maieftie whiche wes betwix the
Confervatour and Mr Robert Durie and me1 in the Confervatouris awin
chalmer ; wherein he with vs and we with him, lamenting the preiudice
that euery wher amang guid men did aryfe to your Maieftie, for the to
gryt favour and clemencie vfed to the aduerfaries of Godis treuthe, your
Maiefties moft bitter enemies, and the harder dealing with your Maief-
ties moft loving fubiectis profeffing the faid treuth with your Maieftie ;
and fo falling to fpeak of the judgmentis of men, I did fchew him that I
had fein on who, palling to Ingland, did affirm that he did carie thither
letteris from Rome, wherby he had wrocht gryt preiudic in the hartis
of many in France ; wherwith being greved, I did communicat this my
greif to the Confervitour, even defyrous that your Maieftie micht knaw
it, lyk as he did in no les meafour lament the fam inconvenient to me :
Bot that I euer did fpeak, that your Maieftie had changed with the Pop
letteris, or that I did affirm this report of this man to be trew, or did
thervpon traduce your Maieftie to any creatour, if he or any vther can
proue it, then do I not refufe the deferued punifchment ; and what wes
my part toward your Hienes in that fpeche to the Confervatour, his awin
teftimonie gevin me at my departing and taking of his leue, whiche he
wold haw me to tak in teftimonie that he efteimed me a faithfull and
loyall fubject to your Maieftie, ar fufficient to cleir me of all calumnie ;
for, befydis his favorable vfing of me at my being heir, he did difmife
me at my going away with als honeft a teftimonie as he could giw to the
moft faithfull fervand that euer did ferw your Maieftie, and not only fo,
bot promifed to mak it knawin to your Maieftie what faithfull dutie 1
1 Sir Robert Danielston ; see page 140. — This allusion sufficiently indicates the date
of the letter to correspond with that of Robert Durie, 21st October 1608.
1G0 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
had kciped in all partis towardis your Heines, fo that by no man culd I
haw looked of that man any report to be fpred to my preiudice. The
Lord forgiw him, and mak your Maieftie wyfe to difcern fuche flatteries ;
for fo long as your Maieftie is willing to heir evill of your fervantis, ther
i'all neuer be wanting who fall invent calumnies to our harme. Nather
fpeak I this to obtain the benefeit of my peaceable returning to my coun-
trey ; for fence your Maieftie is not refolued to grant, I haw refolued to
beir with the lofs of it, till it pleafe the Lord to inclyn your Maiefties
hart to forder clemencie ; bot althocht I never return, yet mynd I, by
Godis grace, to proue no les dutifull and faithfull in all reuerence, loue,
and obedience to your Heines, then if I did inioy all the favour your
Maieftie can yeild me ; for I do not, as vtheris, refpect your Maieftie for
gain, nor peace, nor countrey, nor any commoditie worldlie, fo muche as
for conference, and that carie I with me whitherfoeuer I go. I hoip the
Lord fall giw me this grace to loue him, and to honour the King
alwayis. If your Maieftie had pleafed to heir my felf befoir this tym,
your Maieftie wold haw had better pruf of my honeft and vpricht hart
to your Heines ; bot fenc your Maieftie will nather haw me nor my
labouris, I reft in patienc, ftill faithfull thocht never imployed,1 and
your Maiefties euer, althocht forfaiking, ftill loving and honouring your
Heines, althocht your Maieftie both mid hait me and procur mv fchame.
Praying to God to blifs your Heines and profper your throne, and con-
tinew your pofteritie thereon to the end, and to confound all yowr
Maiefties enemies and evill willeris, and in tym expedient to mak knawin
to your Maieftie who ar faithfull and who not : the fur mercies of Dauid
be with your Maieftie for euer.
Your Maiefties moft humble and obedient fervand,
moft vniuftlie oppreffed and vndefervedlie traduced,
Mr Jhone Forbes.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
1 Soon after this, Forbes became the founder of a Presbyterian church at Middelburg.
in Holland, supported by the English merchants who were there resident.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 161
XCV.— THE PRESBYTERY OF STIRLING TO KING JAMES.
Deeade Souerane,
The returning of fum of the Commiffioneris of the Generall
Affemblie laitlie frome youre Maieftie, togidder with thair reporte of
your Hienes gracious acceptatioun bothe of thame felfis and of thair com-
miffioun alfo, hes nocht only wrocht grite joy in our hairtes, hot alfo hes
incuragit ws to prefent vnto your Maieftie moft humbill and hairtie
thankis for your Hienes fauorable countenance and gracious accepta-
tioun foirfaid. Becaus the gritteft bliffing that our hairtes could haif
wiffchit wes to fie, in our tyme, one God trewlie worfchippit, one King
dewtifullie feruit, one law reuerentlie obeyit, one faithe and religioun
allanerlie vnfenzetlie profeffit within this realme ; this bliffing (we fay),
quhilk our hairtes fo eirneftlie wifiiit to fie throuche your Maiefties
gude inclinatioun to advance the trewthe of God, is liklie to attene to
ane grittare mefour of perfectioun then euer we could haif exfpected in
our dayes. Oure pairte falbe (God willing), by all humbill feruice,
dewtifull obedience, and reuerent fubjectioun, to glaid the hairte of our
Souerane Lord, to the end your Maieftie do nocht this worke with greif,
bot with joy and full contentment of mynd, and lykewyis that powere
may cum from above to mak your Hienes authoritie feirfull to all the
profeffit enemeis of Chriftis gofpell, bathe within and without the cun-
trie. And albeit we could neuer as yit attene to the perfectioun of the
beft forte of wyfe cheldrene, quha haif careit thame felfis fo dewtifullie
toward thair father, that in all thair lyftyme they haif nocht procured ane
angrie looke of thair father is countenance, nor yit ane fcharpe ftrype
frome thair fatheris handis, yit we fall indeuour (God willing) to be in the
fecund rank of wyfe childrene, quha walkis circumfpectlie and warlie,
fering, frome thair hairtis, to gif juft caus of offence to thair gratious and
loving Father. Your Maieftie, according to your wounted clemencie, will
pitie infirmitie in your humbill fervandis, and punifhe proude malice in
your enemeis, quha haif prefumit (as we heare) to call furthe, to the view
of the worlde, railing writtinges againft my Lord the King : " Bot the
foule of my Lorde the King fall be bounde in the boundell of lyf with
162 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
the Lorde thy God ; and the foules of thy enemeis fall God caft out of
the inidle of ane fling." (1 Sam. xxv.) " Quha defpyfes gouernament, and
:ir proi'umptuous, and Hand in thair awin conceate, and feare nocht • to
fpeake evill of thame that ar in authoritie," (2 Pet.) ; quhais cuftome alfo
is to ftand far of, to barke lyke doggis againft godlie princes, fering to
he beatine with the ftaff of lauchfull authoritie, gif they approache neare.
Thairfoir, moft Gratious Souerane, we humblie intreate your Maieftie to
count this to be ane peice of the rebuke of Chrifte, quhilk fall purches to
your Hienes in this world ane hire and ftedfaft hous, and in the world to
cum ane wecht of vnfpeakable glorie ; and fo muche the rather, nocht to
take fuch railing fpeches greuouflie, becaus the Lord hes maid your Ma-
ieftie wyfe like ane angell of God, to knowe good and euill ; and withe
the pithe of your Maiefties royall pen, to be als fearfull to all learned
forrane adverfares, as, by the ftrenthe of ane lauclifull and fattled autho-
ritie, to dantoun all inteftene and domeftike rebellis. Finallie, we hum-
blie entreate your Maieftie to beare with our boldnes and rudenes as ane
father dois withe his awne babes, quha lykes better of the blobering
fpeches of his awine cheldrene proceding frome love, than of all the
painted eloquence of his haitfull enemeis. This, in all humbill maner
wifhing to your Maieftie long lyfe and ane profperous ringne, we ceafe
to impefche your Maiefties eares with farder wordis.
Your Maiefties humbill feruandis,
The Brethrene of the Presbiterie of Striuiling,
Subfcriued be ane of thair nomber, at
thair command,
Patrik Symsone.1
Striuiling, the tent day of Nouember 1608.
To his Maieftie.
1 Mi- Patrick Symsone, Minister of Stirling, was born in 1556, and died 31st March
1618. He was perhaps the most learned and zealous of those Presbyterian Ministers who
were permitted to remain in the Ministry notwithstanding their continued opposition to
the Episcopal form of Church government.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 163
XCVI— THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH TO KING JAMES.
Please your Majesty :
Our dutie both toward your Highnes, as alfo toward this flok
and people, over the whilk wee are appointed watchmen, enforceth us
at this time, by thefe our letters, to give feme declaration to your Ma-
jeftie of the truetli of that mater anent the late election of the Proveft
of this Burgh. As it pleafed your Majeftie to give fignification of your
mind and pleafure hereanent, aggreable alfo till requitie, and to the lawes
and conftitutions of tbis Eealme : So did wee, in your Majefties name,
both privatlie and publicklie, urge their obedience and conformitie to
your Majefties moft reafonable defire : Bot the Councill here for the
time, not of any contempt, whilk wee wald be loath ather to fofter or
overfee in them, but partlie upon opinion that your Majeftie wald not
fo hielie offend with this their proceeding, the advertifement camming
to them upon fudden, a verie few dayes befoir their election, and partlie
to efhew the note of ingratitude toward that Nobleman ' who had fo
many yeares of before ferved in tbat office with your Majefties favour
and their contentment, they did mak election of his Lordfhip for the
yeare to come, with provifion alwayes, that when they fhould underftand
furder of your Majefties pleafure, they were then to follow it precifclie,
and no wayes to caft them felves under your Majefties juft anger. Whilk
report wee mak to your Majeftie, not as thought wee wald tak the patro-
cinie or defenfe of that whilk is done. For wee can now affure your
Majeftie of the great grief and difpleafure of all the Citizens here, con-
ceived upon the report of your Majefties anger, even they who voted in
that caufe affirming, that gif they had underftood that your Majeftie
wald have tane fo hielie this their doing, they wold have bene exceiding
loath in any wayes to have irritat your Majeftie, who has ever kythed
toward them fo gracious and fo loving a Prince. May it therefore
pleafe your Majeftie to heare us Supplicants in their name, befeeking
1 The Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Dunfermline : see note to p. 23.
164 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
humblie your Majeftie that your anger conceived againft them may be
relented, and your wonted favour this once continued toward them.
For wee, in their name, promife fuch amendment as your Majeftie will
prefcrive,. and offer our felves as cautioners for them to your Highnes,
that the like occafion of your Majefties difcontentment fhall not be
offred be them in any time hereafter. The honeft men, bearers hereof,
have alwayes fhewed themfelves of good and readie difpofition in all
your Majefties fervices, and therefore it is certeinely exfpected that your
Majeftie, out of your wonted clemencie, will not difmiffe them without a
favourable anfwer. This, craving humblie pardon for our boldnes with
your Majeftie, we tak our leave. Edinburgh, the day of November 12,
1608.
Your Majefties humble and obedient fubjects,
M. P. Galloway.
Johne Hall.
M. P. Hew att.
To the Kings moft Excellent Maieftie.
XCVII.— THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH TO KING JAMES.
Please your Majestie,
After our former letters, our Supplication written in the favours
of the Toun here, fome thing was done be them for your Maiefties con-
tentment, wherewith we thought good to acqucnt your Highnes. They,
perceiving your Maiefties difpleafure to arife upon thair former election
of a Proveft, did haften to fome fpeedie remedie, that thair offer of
amendement fhould not be compted verball only, and have this day, the
fifteenth of this inftant November, made election of Sir John Arnot to
be thair Proveft for the yeir to come : "Wliilk doing of theirs dois fur-
nifh to us greater boldnes with your Maieftie, and makis us with the
greater earneftnes to renew our former humble fute, that it may pleafe
vour Maieftie accept of this amends, with our promife, in their name, of
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 165
greater warinefse in all tyme cumming. It has ever bene your Maiefties
cuftome to gaine by clemeneie, and recall offenders, gif thair pertinacie
did not thraw from your Maiefties hand rigour and extremitie. Upon
this your Maiefties clemeneie wee reft in this particular, that having to
doe with them who are feared in any fort to incurre your Maiefties dif-
pleafure, and whofe only frowning keipis them in fufficient aw, there
may be, in fteid of your Maiefties hatred or anger toward them (whereat
their unfriends would rejoice), a continuance of your Maiefties woonted
love and favour. Thus, craving pardon for our boldnes, we humblie tak
our leave. Edinburgh, 15 November 1608.
Your Majefties moft humble and obedient fubjects,
Jo. Hall.
M. P. Hewatt.
To the Kings moft Excellent Majeftie.
XCVIII.— THE PEESBYTERY OF EDINBURGH TO KING JAMES.
Please youk Majestle,
In the lait Generall Affemblie of the Kirk of this your Majefties
Kingdome, halden at Linlithcow, your Majefties declared will and affec-
tion both by word and writ, to the ftrenghthening of that true religion
prefentlie profeffed, and to the fuppreffing of Papiftis and Papiftrie to
the uttermoft, did bread no fmall joy and contentment in the hearts of
all honeft fubjects fearing God and loving your Majeftie. Who, althought
they had never caufe to exfpect from your Majeftie any vther refolution,
yet in this time of the incres and pride of the enemies, it was to us all
great incouragement to fee your Majefties zeale wakened for execution
of the lawes againft them, with greater readines and extremitie, then at
any time heretofore. We have alio heard of your Majefties gracious
acceptance and favourable approbation of fik Overtures as wer then de-
vifed, and now of lait prefented to your Highnes, for redreffing and pre-
venting the prefent and apparent evils of this Kirk and Religion here
166 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
profcffed, and withftanding of the adverfare. The profecution of a pairt,
whereof your Majeitie lies happelie begun, in kyithing your Majefties
juft anger, without exception of perfons, againft fik as the Kirk here lies
at laft bene forced to cut of and exeommunicat from her focietie, as in
the imprifonment of fome of the greateft rank, and decreed baniftiment
of others appeiris : for all whilk doing, as we cannot but render raoft
heartie tkankis to our God, and acknawledge his bleffing toward us in
your Majeftie, fo doe we find our obligation increffed to meete your
Majeftie in all poffible gratitude and duetie, according to the bounds of
our vocation, molt humblie intreating your Majeftie, that this fo good a
wark, fo well begun, and wifelie as yet followed foorth, be not inter-
rupted nor left off, till it be broght to fome good fine and perfection,
that the proud and obftinat being fufficiently humbled, and the horns of
the wicked, that doe pufh againft Chrift, and your Majeftie his Annointed,
cutted down, there may be peace and health in Sion, and profperitie
within all your Majefties boundes.
The great gladnes of all your Majefties beft fubjects in all ranks here
wakened, upon the fame beginnings, the feare and aftonifhment of the
enemies, with the fpeciall and extraordinar takins of Gods mercy and
favour fhawin, at this fame time, toward your Majeftie, feeme to be
great allurements and provocations to your Majeftie without fainting to
proceede in thofe moft holy purpofes. For wee affure our felves that
among the many deliveries of God granted to your Highnes from ex-
treame perils and daungers, your Majeftie doeth reackon, with all your
good fubjects, this late worke inferior to none of them, in freeing your
Majeftie from the vile imputations of the Pape and his Clergie, as thought
it had ever bene your Majefties intention to diffemble in that caufe,
whilk we know your Majeftie dois efteeme dearer then your life. It is
the Lord to whome you truft that clearis the caufe of his own, and
makis their righteoufnes to brek out like the noone day. Wee doubt
not bot your Majeftie now does fee clearlie both the falfheid and crueltie
of all that feet ; and fo may eafily confidder whidder any of that broode
be worthie of overfight or favour. This laft fifth of November was here
with great folemnitie obferved ; fwa that there did even appeare among
all your Majefties good people ane extraordinarie motion and earneftnes,
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 167
as to thank God for that notable deliverie, fwa to commend to him the
protection of your Majefties facred perfon, being fo much the more ftirred
up to thir duties for the time to come, both by the report and fight of
vour Majefties honeft proceedeing, as alfo of the daylie manifefted fpite
and malice of the adverfaries againft your Majeftie. Thus commending
your Majefties royall perfone and eftait to the bleffing of the Almightie,
we humblie tak our leave. Edinburgh, 15 November 1608.
Your Majefties moft humble and obedient fubjects,
The Brethren of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh.
Jo. Hall, Moderator.
Henrie Charteris. Walter Balcanquall.
M. Cranstoun. M. P. Hewatt.
M. lllCHARDUS DlCKSONE. ChARLES LuMMISDENE.
M. EoT. EUTHIRFURD. WlLLIAME ArTHURE.
Mr Matthew Lichtone. Mr Ja. Mureheid.
M. H. Blythe.
To the King his moft Excellent Majeftie.
XCIX.— THE BISHOP OF ORKNEY TO KING JAMES.
Sir, may it please your sacred and most gratious Maiestie :
The preferment whiche I have receaved of your Maiefties great e
and vndeferued favour, to be called and reputed Bifchope of Oreads and
Zetland, the many greate and continuall complaintis of your Maiefties
poore diftreffed fubjects in thofe Ifles, my Chriftian companion of thair
miferies, and moft fpeciallie the fincere affectioune and reuerend regarde
whiche I haue, and euer fall beare, to your Maiefties heighe honour and
trew glorie, befoir God and men, both for the tyme prefent and to come,
hes moued me to prefent upon my kneis, by this letter fuppleing my
abfence, my moft humble and ferious Supplicatioune in favouris of thofe
diftreffed and oppreffed people, that it will pleafe your Maieftie now at
1G8 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
Lift to be fo touched with princelie pitie towards tharae, that by your
Maiefties greatc wifdome, and Royall power and autoritie, fome comfort
and releife may be provyded and procured unto thame. Alace, deare
and dreade Soucraigne ! trewlie it is to be pitied, that fo many your Ma-
iefties fubiects ar fo manifoldlie and grevouflie oppreffed ; fome by ejec-
tioune and banifchment from thair houfes and native foile ; otheris by
contorting the lawis and extorting thair goodis, the moft parte being fo
imponerifchcd, that fome of thame nather darre nor may complene, bot
in Glent and forced patience grones vnder thair grevances, as hoples of
help ; otheris ar compelled, with greate trouble, danger, and damnage
to thair poore perfones and eftates, to feeke remedie be ordinarie juftice,
whiche when they haue obtened, they muft neuertheles, through proud
contempt and lacke of executioune, ather thus moleft your Maieftie, as
the only ftrenth and flay of thair hopes vnder God, or els be vtterlie
difapointed and lofe all. The Bearer can and will informe and qualifie
the particularis, and I, who am able at this tyme to do thame no other
goode nor comfort, and hes fo long and erneftlie bene folicited be thame,
dois now proftrate myfelf at your Majefties feete in thair behalf, not in
humble ambitioune nor in couered couetoufnes, intending and aiming
be the correclioune of that Nobleman,1 to feeke the ereclioune of my
bafe eftate and poore fortune, bot ones to acquyte myfelf of that dewtie
whiche, as I think, God, my confcience, my calling, your Majefties fa-
vouris towardis me, and the fidelitie of my boundcn fervice dois requyre
at my hand, being als readie to reteir myfelf to my former privat condi-
tioune, if it fall not difpleafe your Maieftie, as I haue and falbe moft
willing and obedient to go fordwardis againft all dangeris and difficulties,
in difcharging my vnworthie fervice heir or thair whair it fall pleafe your
Majeftie [to] command.
In end, I humble befeeche your gratious Maieftie, if thair be any jott or
title heir to offend your Heighnes, pardoune my imprudencie, and re-
fpecl; with favourable countenance this my petitioune whiche I prefumed
to fend up to your Majeftie, upon no other warrand than the certane
kncvlege and experience whiche I haue of the pietie, juftice, wifdome,
1 The long continued oppressions and tyrannical proceedings of Patrick Earl of Orkney
led to his imprisonment, and his subsequent trial and execution for high treason.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 169
etc., whairwith God hath indued and adorned your Maieftie; whiche
all and euerie one do joyne thamefelves with my humble Supplicatioune,
and do call upon your Maiefties Royall power for help and comfort to
thofe wounded and greved memberis (thocht farre diftant) of your
Heighnes politique body. Sir, I do not ufe heir the foure fweetnes of
flatering wordis, bot from my harte dois praife God, who hath graced
and bliffed your Maieftie ; and fall ftill pray, that he may multiplie more
and more his bliffingis upon your Sacred perfone, royall ftate, and happie
governement, and crowne your Maieftie with the crowne of glorie.
Edinburgh, 17 Novemb. 1608.
Your Maiefties verie loyall fubjecl; and moft humble fervand,
To his Sacred and moft Ja. Bischop of Orcads.
excellent Majeftie.
C— KING JAMES THE SIXTH TO SIR JOHN HOUSTONE.
James R.
Trufty and welbeloued, We greete you well. The reporte made
to Us by the Commiffioners of the late Generall Affembly of the pro-
cedinges therein, and of the greate zealc and affection kythed in all
fortes of perfons there for the advancement of God's glorie and fup-
preffion of the common enemy, and alfo of the happie vnity and Con-
corde amongft the Clergy, did giue Vs no fmall occafion of joy and
contentment, that in this laft age of the worlde, wherein errour and
i'uperftition abroade had taken fo greate rooting, neuertheles, in thefe
Our dominions, God hath bene pleafed to referve to himfelfe a handfull
who had neuer bowed the knee to Baal. And as We acknowledge Our
felfe, in dewty to Our God, bound to be a nurfing father of His Church,
a protectour of all trew profeffours, and a perfecutour of all the enemyes
of the trcwth, that fo they may eyther be reclamed, or then brought to
170 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
that cafo as they may be no more feared, feeing all thofe who are
affected to this Romifh fuperftition may iuftlie be fufpected as daunger-
ous fubiectes in the eftate, fo for the better countenanceing of the pro-
cedinges of the General Affembly, We haue appoynted a Convention of
the Eftates of that Our Kingdome, to mete at Edinburgh the xxvj of
Januarie next, to the effecte that fuche thinges as may furder the ad-
vauncement of the Gofpell and fuppreffing of the enemy may be then
treated of, aduifed, and concluded, wherein there fhalbe no want either
of Our good wille, power, or authority, defiring yow hereby to be prefent
thereat, and to vter your loving care and affection to the well of that
Church. And becaus We haue appoynted a preceding meting of
fome felected oute of every eftate to be at the fame place the xxiiij of
Januarie before, and having made choice of yow for one of that nomber,
We defire yow alfo boith to keepe the time appoynted, and to kyth ftill
as yee haue done affectioned to the religion prefentlie profeft, wherein
yee fhall do Vs acceptable feruice, and fo Wee bid yow farewell. From
Our Court at Thetfourd, the 24 of November 1608.
To Our trufty and welbeloued
[the Laird of] of Houftoun.
CI.— THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO KING
JAMES.
Please your Gratious Majestie,
Wee have received ane humble Supplication from Mr James
Balfour,1 declaring to us his good difpofition toward the peace and quiet-
1 Balfour had been one of the Ministers of Edinburgh since the year 1589, when he
was translated from the united parishes of Guthrie and Idvie. After the Conference
at Hampton Court, in September 1606, he was allowed to reside for a short time at
Cockburnspath. The above supplication in his behalf, that he might have liberty to
return to his flock, had no effect in conciliating the King's favour ; and having been
ordered to remove to the North of Scotland, he only reached Inverkeithing, where, in
consequence of the infirmities of age and disease, he remained until his death. — (Calder-
wood's Hist., vol. vi. p. 668.)
1608.]
TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
171
nes of the Kirk, according to the laft ordour taken at Linlithcow,
together with the teftimony of fyndrie our Brethren, who, after con-
ference with him, hes certified us of his peaceable inclination, like as
the Brethren of the Prelbyterie of Edinburgh is becom'd furetie, in his
name, to that effect. In refpect whereof, we humblie entreate your
Highnes, that of your wonted clemencie he may be fett at libertie, and
with your Majefties favour reftored again to his flok, whofe defolate eftait
hes greit neede of the fupplement of his travells. And thus commending
your Highnes to the bleffing of God, and hartily praying for your High-
nes long and profperous reigne, we humblie take our leave.
Edinburgh, 25 November 1608.
Your Majefties moft humble and obedient
fubiects and daylie orators,
M. P. Galloway.
P. Symsoxe.
Mr Jo. Knox.
M. A. Bellenden.
Al. B. off Murraye.
Jo. Hall.
M. William Cowper.
M. William Scott.
To the King his moft Excellent Majeftie.
Sanctandrois.
DUNKELD.
B. Galloway.
Ja. B. of Orcads.
M. A. Brechin.
DUMBLANE.
CII.— THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO KING
JAMES.
Please your Gratious Majestie,
Wee haue received ane humble Supplication from Mr John Mur-
ray,1 declaring to us his good difpofition toward the peace and quietnes
1 See the previous letters, Nos. LXXVI. and LXXVII., and the foot-note to page
123. At this time Murray was confined to the Castle of Edinburgh ; and it will be seen
that, after various changes, he was permitted, in the year 1616, to become one ol the
Ministers of Dunfermline.
172 ORGIINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
of the Kirk, according to the laft ordour taking at Linlithcow, together
with the teftimony of fyndry our Brethren, who after conference with
him, hes not only certified us that he is greitlie difpleafed with the
printing, of that Sermon which bred your Highnes difpleafure, but alfo
affured us of his foirfaid peaceable inclination. Like as, the Brethren
of the Prefbyterie of Edinburgh are becom'd furetie in his name, to
that effect. In refpect whereof, we humblie entreate your Highnes
that, of your wonted clemencie, he may be fet at libertie, and, with your
Majefties favour, reftored againe to his flock, whofe defolate eftate hes
great neede of the fupplement of his travels. And thus commending
your Highnes to the bleffing of God, and heartdie praying for your
Highnes long and profperous reigne, we humblie tak our leave.
Edinburght, 25 November 1G08.
Your Maiefties moft humble and obedient
fubjects and day lie orators,
Ja. B. of Orcads, Moderator.
M. P. Galloway. Jo. Hall. Dunkeld.
P. Symsone. M. William Scott. A. B. Cathnes.
M. William Cowper. Andko Boyd. B. Galloway.
M. A. Bellenden. M. Jo. Knox. Dumblanen.
To the King his moft Excellent Majeftie.
(JUL— THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO XING
JAMES.
Sir,
May it pleafe your Sacred and Gratious Majeftie : Wee, the
Commiflioners of the Generall Affembly, being conveened here, the 23
and 25 day of this inftant, to tak particular tryall of Sir Alexander
Drummond his difpofition in religion, according to your Majefties direc-
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 173
tion, lies found, be the depofition and confeffion of the faid Sir Alex-
ander, that he, in his firft and fecond journeys to France and Italy, and
induring his abiding in thofe countreys, was under the difcipline of the
Jefuites, drawing to their religion, heard and faw the Maffe, and unrefolved
in any article of the trueth all that time, untill his returning from Italie,
which was about the yeir 1593. And albeit the faid Sir Alexander hes
alledged, that immediately after his returning he was, by two or three
dayes conference had with Mr Eobert Bruce, refolved of all his doubtes,
and did thereupon fubfcrive privatly in the faid Mr Robert's hous ; yet
nevertheles, we having fearched and fighted all the rolls that can be had,
and finding in them no appearance of his alledged fubfcription, or any
teftimony theirof, cannot upon our confcience and dutie toward God
and your Majeftie, declair the faid Sir Alexander to be found and un-
fufpect in religion, efpecially feing and confidering that he hes ever had,
lince his faid returning to this realme, his moll familiar and entire con-
verfation with fuch perfons as now God, of his greit favour toward your
Majeftie, hes revealed to have beene more affected toward Papiftrie then
to the treuth of God, which they falllie profeffed, even by all thofe
outward formes of hearing, communicating, fubfcriving, and fwearing,
whereby they cover their hypocrifie for favour or preferment, and
deludis the eyes and judgements of men. As alfo, in refpect that the
Act of Linlithcow, which your Majeftie hes gratiouflie allowed, ftandis
againft him. And wee, Sir, for our parts, thought moft willing in all
humble dutie and fervice to obey and fatiffie the leaft of your Majefties
commands or defires, yet, having the eyes and hearts of all men prying
and obferving our doings, confidering his former cariage in religion,
noted and ftained with apoftafie and inconftancie, and feing no evidence
of any certane refolution or fincere affection in him (howfoever all be
offred and pretended for prefent preferment which can be required),
cannot, without greit offenfe of all your Majefties beft affected fubjects
here, and without evident and fhamefull breache, even in ipso limine, of
that Act, and godlie and profitable courfe which your Majeftie hes moft
happelie begun againft the Papifts, gif unto him at this time any teftimonie
for his advancement. Moft humbly befeeching your gratious Majeftie fa-
vourablie to accept of this our upright and unpartial dealing with the faid
174 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
Sir Alexander, in which we have had none other refpect, but nixt to Gods
glory, your Majefties true honour, the good of the Kirk, the contentment
of all your Majefties good fubjects, and ane faithfull difcharge of our
confciences and dutie.
And becaufe we have fo many greit and certane proofes both of
Gods fpeciall favour toward your Majefties unfpotted honour, as alio
of your Majefties finceritie and princelie cair for maintening of the
true religioun, and fuppreffing the adverfaries theirof, we cannot for-
get to prefent hereby our moft humble and heartie thanks to your
Highnes, and fall never ceafe, fo long as we live, to pray for your
peace, and to endevour, in all dutie and fervice which poffiblie we can,
to approve our felues your Majefties moft loving and faithfull fubjeds ;
out of which dutie of our fubje&ion and calling, after our beft advife,
and forefeing the greit neceffitie and expediencie theirof, wee thought it
meete humblie and earneftlie to entreate your Majefties favour for ane
warrand and direction to us to call before us, at certane times, all fuch
Noblemen as ar profeffed Papifts, againft whome their feverall Prefby-
teries have nather fufficient judgement nor authoritie to proceede, as,
namely, the Erls of Caithnes, Southerland, Perth, the Lord Sanchar, and
others of the like qualitie or condition : And that it may pleafe your
gratious Majeftie to caufe all Civill lawes and penalties of horning, con-
Hfcation, and dilpofition of liferents, to be precifelie execute againft thofe
Noblemen, and others, gentlemen of inferior degree, who are ather ex-
communicat lawfully already, or fhall hereafter be ; without which exe-
cutions the fentence of excommunication will be contemned in their
pride and contumacie, and their wardings accompted an benefite rather
then an punifhment. And leaft we fhuld be tedious and troblefome to
your Majeftie by long letter, we will at this time befeche your Majeftie
for this onelie one thing more, that fome Commiffions may be granted
to fuch noblemen and gentlemen of divers places of this countrey as your
Majeftie, in your own wifdome, knowis to be beft affected and moft
meete to fearche and apprehend thofe corner-creeping Jefuites and
Preifts, who, notwithftanding all which is done, ceafis not to animate
their profelytes, and to goe about by fea and land, which is the Devils
compane, to gaine moe unliable foules to their curfed erne. Moft
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 175
humblie craving your Majefties pardon for this our boldnes, wee befeeche
God from our hearts to preferve your Majeftie from all evill, to blefle
your Majeftie with health, peace, and profperitie in this life, and with
eternall glorie in the life to come.
Edinburgh, 25 Novemb. 1608.
Your Majefties moft humble and faithfull fubiects,
Ja. B. of Okcads, Moderator.
M. P. Galloway. Al. B. off Murraye. Sanctandrois.
P. Symsone. M. William Cowper. Dunkeld.
M. A. Bellenden. Jo. Hall. B. Galloway.
M. Jo. Knox. M. William Scott. Dumblanen.
M. A. Brechin.
To the King his moft Excellent Majeftie.
CIV SIR ALEXANDER DRUMMOND OF MEDHOPE TO KING JAMES.
Most Gracious Soueraigne,
Maye it pleafe your Sacred Maieftie : Vpon the deliuerie of your
Hienes Letter to the Bifhop of Orknay, he did wreate to ane fufHcient
nomber of the Cornmiffionares, and affigned to them the 23 of this
inftant to meete at Edinburgh ; where having conveened very frequentlie,
and I (conforme to your Maiefteis good pleafour), wrging my tryall, I
bave beene examined, from my verie infancie, be my folempne oathe,
and lies particularlie impairted wnto thair wifdomes the haill progres of
my acliones the tyme of my peregrinatioun ; the double wheroff I have
fend heirwith fubfcryucd, be Mr Johne Haye, vpon neceffitie, as your
Maieftie maye confidder in the end of the fame. Wherin, althocht I
may be accompted too light in my youth to be fo variablie caried, yet
my tender age being confidderit, the difficulties of tymes, and the hu-
mours of the people which delt with me, I hope your gracious Maieftie
176 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
will difpens tliairwith. And being fo hardely pofed and deeplie fworne,
I willed rather feeme fraile nor periure. Whowe willing I am, and ener
lies beene thir laft 12 or 15 yeares of my age, to give the Churche fatif-
fa6tion, I have declared and craved; and what diftruft thay conceavc
(notwithftanding of my oath and pure confeffion) thair rigorous anfwer
declaires. As I haue appealed from thair hard cenfure (grounded onlie
vpon fufpicion) to your Hienes clemencie, fo now, in all humilitie, I
crave that your gracious Maieftie maye be pleafed, feing be your Hienes
ipeciall favour I wes anes thoght capable of that place of Judicature, and
worthy to injoye the fame, wherfra, efter triall of my qualificatioun, I
have beene fo long fufpendit, that fome more mylde cours maye be taken
for my admimon ; protefting before God, that the delaye of this my in-
tendit preferrement ' proceideth more of maHcious calumnies nor any
effentiall offence : feing thir 15 yeares laft bypaft, if any man priuelie or
publictlie admonifhed or accufed me for my behaviour in Religion to
the tyme, be your Maiefties gracious favour, my prefentatioun wes exped,
it fhall be capitall. Neuertheles I am condampned vniuerfallie, and cen-
fured publictlie. Bot my former actiones, with the earneft defyre I haue
to do your Maieftie acceptable feruice, fhall fome day (God willing) abo-
liflie the memorie of thefe imputatiounes. Si peccati fuspicio meretur
pcenam, I beleive it fhall be impoffible to any of your Maiefteis fubiectis
to travaill in forrayne partis with furetie. Ceafing to trubbill your Ma-
iefteis gracious eares, and repofing vpon your Hienes accuftomed regarde
to loyall and duetifull fubiectis, in all humilitie, I kiffe your Maiefteis
handis, prayand the Eternall to continew your Hienes profperous eftate,
with long lyff and ioyfull fucces, as
Your Maiefties moift obedient fubiect and humble ferviteur,
Halyrudhous, 27 Nouemb. 1608. S. A. Drummond.
For the Kingis moft Excellent Maieftie.
1 Drummond of Medhope had obtained from the King a presentation to a seat on the
bench as a Lord of Session, but the proceedings against his " near cousin," Lord Balme-
rinoch, tended to increase those suspicions in regard to his profession of religion, alluded
to in this and the preceding letter.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 177
CV.— THE LOEDS OF PEIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
[Sir James Elphinstone, Secretary, and afterwards President of the Court of Session,
was created Lord Balmerinoch in 1604 : See page 108. After his examination
before the Privy Council of England, his Lordship was sent prisoner to Scotland,
where he was tried and condemned for high treason, on account of the styles of
" Sanctitas " and " Filius " having been inserted in a letter addressed to Pope Cle-
ment VIII. in 1598, to which he had previously obtained the King's signature. The
whole proceedings, with various illustrative documents, have been diligently collected
by Mr Pitcairn, and published in his Criminal Trials, (vol. ii. pages 568 to 604.)
The trial took place at St Andrews, 10th March 1609, Sir William Hart, Justice-
Depute, presiding, his assessors the Earls of Dunbar, Wigton, Montrose, Lothian, &c.
Lord Balmerinoch has left a very interesting relation of his Troubles, (Calderwood's
History, vol. vi. pp. 789 — 818, and vol. vii. pp. 10 — 15.) : He distinctly accuses
Spottiswood, Archbishop of Glasgow, along with the Earl of Wigton and Sir Alex-
ander Hay, as the chief instigators to procure his downfall.]
Most Gratioits and Sacred Souerane,
We reffaued your Maiefteis lettre of the xxj of Nouember, and
lies hard at grite lenth, the relation maid by the reuerend Father in God,
and your Maiefteis truftye counfellour, the Archebifchop of Glafgow, anent
the confefiioun, and hole circumftanceis, of that long obfcured and moft
haynous and inexcufable offence committit be the Lord of Balmerinoch
aganis your credite, honour and reputatioun, quhairin as fenfible and feel-
ing memberis of fo glorious and gratious a head, finding oure awne inter-
effe, greif and forrow, that your Maiefteis moft famous and vnfpotted
name, bonnour and credite (whiche your Hcynes to this houre lies fo reli-
giouflie confervit in all puritie), fould haue bene fo vnworthelie, and in
fo heich a point broght in queftioun by ony of our nomber, who lies that
honnour to be fele6ted be your Maieftie to the cheif credite of your fer-
uice heir. So, with moft joyfull, humble and thankfull hairtis to God,
we acknowledge that grite bliffing and benefeit, whiche it hes pleafit his
divine Maieftie to ftiowe vnto your Heynes, by the detecting and difco-
uerie of that purpois, and vindicating the finceritie and innocencie of
your royall hairt, frome all fufpitioun of the wrangous and vniuft im-
putationis, whilkis your Heynes vndirlay thairin, manifefting thairby, his
divyne cair and prouidence, which he hes evir had over your facred per-
178
ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING
[1608.
i'one, honnour and eftate, and in what deteftatioun he holdeth all prac-
tizeis and purpoifs preiuditiall thairvnto. And wheras in the cenfuring
of this fa6t befoir your Maiefteis honourable Preuy Counfaill of that King-
dome, thay (be your Maiefteis direftioun we doubt not) haue remittit
the full tryall thairof to the lawis and formis of this cuntrey, with mony
demonftrationis and oppin fpeecheis, twiching the goode opinioun thay
haif of the equitie of our lawis, and finceritie of oure affecHonis, in all
your Maifteis feruiceis, we haif not onlie infinite occafioun, with all lm-
inilitie, firft to thank your Sacred Maieftie, and nixt thaine, for fo refpec-
tiue a referuatioun to ws of that wliiche your Maieftie knowis to be dew
to the priuilege and freedome of this your antient and nobill Crowne ; bot
we hoip, God willing, to gif vnto your Maieftie a prooffe, that with all
fidelitie, cair and finceritie, we fall profequute and follow oute whateuir
it fall pleas your Sacred Maieftie, in your princelie wifdome, to command,
alfweele in this as in ony vther thing els, twicheing your Heynes in hon-
nour and eftate. And in the meantyme, yf ony of your Maiefteis fub-
ie<SHs hes bene or falbe fo vndeutifull, foolifhe, and vnworthie, as to gif
out ony fals brwteis or rumours, aganis the vndoubtit treuth and veritie
of this mater, or to the extenuating thairof in ony point, we fall not faill
fo exa&lie to examine, try and pvnifhe the fame, as vtheris falbe terrifeit
to fall in the lyke errour thairefter. And fua praying God ftill to vpholde
your Maieftie with all your Royall progenie, vnder his divyne and faderlie
prote6tioun and faulfgaird, we reft for euir,
Your Maiefteis moft humble and obedyent
fubie6lis and feruitouris,
J. Cokburne.
P. RoLLOK.
R. Cokburne.
SE. Th. Hamilton.
Sir Ro. Ker.
Jo. Prestoun.
Robert Melvill.
Gairleis.1
Sanctandrois.
torphechin.
Bewly.
Ross.
BlJKCLUGHE.
Al. Cancell8.
Mar.
Perthe.
Lothiane.
Halyrudhous.
Edinburgh, the faxt of December 1608.
To the Kingis moft excellent Maieftie.
1 This signature is not very distinct, and may possibly be some other name.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 179
CVI._ THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW TO KING JAMES.
Sire,
Pleis your Maieftie : The pain qhiche I haif takin, at your Ma-
iefties commandement, to gather a note of the penfiounis difponit furth
of your Hienes rentis of this Kingdome, hes bred in me a defyr to pro-
ced in the work of the Exchequer, and withal gifin a hope of effecting
him profitable fervice to your Maieftie ; for being ftayit at Edinburgh,
thir four or fyve dayis pall, about the forfaid bufines, I haif turnit owr
fum bookis of former accomptis, and fund thairin many thingis for tym
cumming maift nedful to be reformed : Of qhiche certain moft princi-
pal I haif fent to my Lord the Erie of Dumbar, to be prefentit to your
Maieftie, that be your Hienes warrand the Lordis joynit in Commiffioun
may be vrgit with the profequutioun thairof. Your Maiefties com-
mandement, in thir materis, wil purchafe a griter regard to our proced-
ing, and lykwyfe minifche invy, qhiche can be no leffe againft ws then
otheris that interpryfit the fervice before ; but the peril is, thankis to
God, muche leffe, be the prefent ftrenth of your Maiefties arme, God
hafing put the fear of your Maieftie vpon al men in thir partis. Sir, it
is not the leift parte of a Kingdomes happines to haif the King riche
and wealthie ; it gifis authoritie in peace, and makis him fearful to his
enemyis in tym of warre ; and qhat fubiectis had euer fo grit caufe to
wifche the wealthe of thair Kinge, as we, qho haif al of ws (innumerable
in euery eftate) prufit your Hienes liberalitie and princelie munificence ;
or qhen fal it be, if not at this tym, qhen God hes bleffit your Ma-
ieftie with two moft worthie Treafureris, noblemen wyfe, difcreit, and
abuif al, faithfull; nether is this your Maiefties Kingdom, how mean
foeuer in comparifoun of that other, vnfurnifchit of revenewis fufficient
to mantein the royaltie thairof, fo as the famin be rightlie orderit. For
my felf, it wes your Maiefties commandement that enterit me in this
fervice, and I falbe loath not to indevour my vttermoft for the ad-
vancing of the fam ; at leift I falbe fordward and faythful, caring for
this one thing, even to do that qhiche is pleafing and acceptable to
180 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
your Maieftie. God Almyghtie preferve your Hienes in longe and
happie lyf.
Your Maiefties moft humble and obedient lervant,
Edinburgh, the 29 of Glasgow.
December 1608.
To his moft Excellent Maieftie.
CVIL— WILLIAM CREICHTON, JESUIT, [TO SIR ANDREW MURRAY.1]
Right Worshipfull Sir,
My humble and heartlie dewtye rememberit, I haif hard with
my extreme dolour the extremeties to the whilkis Sir James Elphing-
ftoun, Prefident of the Seffioun of Scotland, is reduced, for the letter fent
to the Pope and Cardinalis by Mr Eduard Drummond, and fpeciallye
becaus the Prefident is fo neir to you by alliance. As twiching the
Prefidentis confeffioun to haif fent the difpatche to Pope and Cardinallis,
without his Maiefteis confent or commandment, I will not mell me with
that nor any thing what it may meritt. Bot becaus I assisted Mr Ed-
uard Drummound in all that negotiatioun, thinking it to be to the Kingis
weill and fervice, and communicatioun of all the letters that was broght
for that effairis, I thoght it expedient to informe you of the veritie of
all. There was no thing wroght in that negotiatioun which was not
thoght to be for the Kingis Maiefteis fervice, which was to procure the
Bifchope of Wefone 2 advancement to the degrie of Cardinall, to the
end that his Maieftie fuld haif in the Colledge of Cardinallis one of bis
trew and faithfull fubie&is to advance his Maiefteis fervice, and dafche
1 This letter has no address : Mr Piteairn conjectures, from the allusion to Viscount
Fenton at the close of the letter, that it was written to Sir Andrew Murray of Balvaird.
'-' William Cheisholine, Bishop of Dunblane, having been forfeited and deprived of his
benefice, in 1573, afterwards became Bishop of Vaison, in France. He published ■
volume, dedicated to King James (as a refutation of the National Confession of Faith,
1580), entitled " Exainen Confessionis Fidei Caluiniana)," etc. Avenione, 1601, small
8vo. A French translation of this work appeared at Paris in 1604.
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 181
and flop that which might he to his preiudice ; and fpecially that thay
fuld not excommunicat his Maieftie, or ahfolue his fubie6Hs from his
obedience, as there was fome at that fame tyme biflie to procure it, and
therefoir was alledgit that fuche rigorous proceidingis in other Popes
dayes did not advance but hinder the Catholick caufe, and therefore
Pope Gregorius 13th was conftrained to grant to the Catholick to ac-
knowledge and obey the laft Queene of England in all thingis, which
was expremie againft the Catholick faith. It was not gevin to understand
to the Pope that the Kingis Maiestie was in any dispositional ather to come,
or favour the Catholick religioun, for the contrair was conteyned expreslie in
the Letteris : (And fick fervice, who evir had done it ather with or with-
out commiffioun, apperis to merit rather thankes and rewaird nor hard
traitment :) Saying, that albeit he remaned constant in that religioun in
the which he was nurisched from his cradle, yet he wald not be enimye and
persecutour of the Catholikes, so long as thay suld remaine faithfull and
obedient subiectis to him. As indeid his Maieftie had evir doone, vntill
the horrible and barbarous Confpiracie of the Goonepouder. For in
Scotland, to thame of our Ordour who ar holden the moft odious and
perfecuted to the deathe be the Minifteris, he did nevir vie more rigour,
nor to banifche thame out of the countrey, and conftraine there parentis
to obleis thame, vndir paines, to caus thame depairt.1 The calumneis of
fome paffioned writteris, and fpeciallie of him who anfweris to the Apo-
logie or traite, entituled " Trino nodo triplex cuneus," who unproperatis
to the Kingis Maieftie to wald haif deceaved the Pope, to whome he
gave hoipe to favour or embrace the Catholick Religioun, is onlie to
difgrace in what he may the Kingis Maiefteis felf, and some Catholiches,
whome thay haitt without iust cause, without veritie or charitie ; which fuld
not be imputed to all Catholickes, nor to the Cardinall Ballarmine, who
is not authour of that booke. Amongft the Catholickes ar many honeft
men, affe&ioned to his Maiefteis fervice in all thingis thay mav with
goode confcience and faiftie of the Catholick religioun, amongft whome
1 In this the writer could speak from his own experience : On the 8th May 1.599,
" William Creichton, brother to the Laird of Innernytie," having refused to subscribe
the Confession of Faith, the Presbytery of Edinburgh ordered him either to do so, within
two months, or to leave the country. — (Presbytery Minutes.)
182 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
I wald not be the hindmeft, as I hail' euir bene and falbe to my lyves
end. And heir I leif to truble your Worfchip, with my humble and
heartly recommendatiounis redoublet to your goode affe&ioune, as to
my Lord Yicount of Fentoun, your vncle.1 From Auignon, the 27
of Januarye 1609.
Your "Worfhip moft humble and affectioned
Coufeing and fervant,
WlLLIAME CrEICHTOUN.
CVIIL— THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious and Sacred Souerane,
This Conventioun of your Maiefteis Efteatis, whiche your Heynes,
oute of your moft gratious and religious difpofitioun, towards the advance-
ment of the trew antient Apoftolik faith, prefentlie profeffit in this King-
dome, and for fuppreffing the aduerfaris thairof, did appoint to be hal-
din at this tyme, wes moft folemnelie keipit be the Nobilmen and
vtheris fele&it be your Maieftie for that purpois, few or none of the
haill being abfent : Vnto whome thofe grave, wyfe, and godlie Overtouris
and propofitionis fend doun be your Maieftie, alfweele for Kirk as Poli-
cie, being at grite lenth proponned and oppynnit vp, we can not con-
ceale from your Heynes the exceiding grite joy and glaidnes whiche
that haill meiting apprehendit vpoun the confideratioun of fo lyvelie
taikynis and argumentis of the tender cair and faderlie affe6tioun, wher-
with your Maieftie doeth ftill affect thame, whairin thay and we do
acknowlege oure felffis infinithe bundin to the goodnes of oure God,
who, in his grite mercye, hes grantit vnto ws fo gratious, religious, and
confortable a King, vnder whofe bliffit and happy gouernament we haif
fo grite peace in our Kirk, and fo grite tranquillitie in oure privat
efteatis ; that althoght your Maieftie be abfent in perfone, yitt the con-
1 Sir Thomas Erskine of Gogar, was created Viscount Fentoun, in 1606, and Earl of
Kellie, 12th March 1619.
1609.]
TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
183
fortable effe&is of your Royall prefence, by your royall and holefome
dire&ionis, doeth ever accompany ws ; for the whiche, with all dew
reuerence, in name of the haill Efteatis (who, with mony proteftationis,
offerrit thame felffis reddy with thair haill power and freindfcbip to hald
hand to the furtherance and executioun of all your Maiefteis princelie
dire&ionis) we rander vnto your Heynes our moft humble thankis. All
tbofe dire&ionis and propofitionis, bothe for Kirk and Policie, wer moft
vnanimelie imbraceit, and accordinglie ina&ed. Onlie that anent the
reviffing, whiche your Maieftie lies fo gravelie and wyfelie fett doun in
feuerall brancheis and headis, hes reffauit a delay till this approcheing
Parliament, becaus the panes and pvnifhement, anfuerable to the qualitie
of thofe feuerall brancheis and headis, could not, in refpecl; of the fchort-
nes of tyme, reffaue a prefent determinatioun. Alwayes, commiffioun is
gevin to certane for euery Eftate, to meete and reafoun upoun that
mater, and to repoirt thair opinioun to the Parliament, wherein we ar
of opinioun that the ordour fo wyfelie prefcryved be your Maieftie,
falbe the fqwair and reule of thair doingis. Off all that wes paft and
inacted at this meiting we haif fend the copyis to Sir Alexander Hay,
your Maiefteis Secretarie, to be fhawne to your Hyenes : And fwa end-
ing with our humble and hairty prayeris to God for the preferuatioun of
your Sacred Maieftie, and your Royall progenye in all happynes and
felicitie, we reft for ever,
Your Maiefteis moft humbill and obedyent
fubiedlis and fervitouris,
Al. CanceliA
Olencairne.
Saltoune.
R. CoKBURNE.
P. RoLLOK.
DoWNBAR.
LlNLYTHGOW.
A. WCHILTRIE.
SR. T. Hamilton.
Craford.
Wigtoun.
Blantyre.
j. cokburne.
Mar.
Cassillis.
KlNGORNE.
lothiane.
Halyrudhocs.
Edinburgh, 28 January 1609.
To the Kingis moft Excellent Maieftie.
184 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
CIX— MK JOHN PRESTOUN OF FENTOUNBARNS TO KING JAMES.
Maist Sacreid and maist Graciouse Soverain,
Fallowing the command of yowr Maiefties lait letter, I haife fend
vpe to yowr Maiefties trnftie Confeller and Secretair, Sir Alexander
Haye, ane cataloge of the Patronagis of all the Kirkis neulie difponit
be Infeftmentis fen yowr Maieftie goinge furth of this yowr Hiechnes
realme of Scotland : exceptinge onlie fie as pertenis to the Prelacies
ere&it, quherof yowr Maieftie, be their Infeftmentis, hes refervit to yowr
Hiechnes felfe the nominatioun of the Minifteris to be prefentit to
the cuiris of the faidis Kirkis. Quhilkis, gif it be yowr Maiefties will
nochtwithftandinge to haif feverallie and in particuler fend vpe, vpon
the notice of yowr Hiechnes plefour theiranent, they falbe at yowr
Maieftie with all expeditioun. Quhat farther can pertein or lyie in me
to the obedience of yowr Maiefties plefour, as it is deulie and abfolutlie
yowr Maiefties awin, fa fall it ever preiffe, God willing, maift faythfullie
furthcummand and reddie to the furtherance of quhatfumever fervici
yowr Hiechnes imployment fall chairge me withall, as ane quha fall ever
praye to the Almychtie for ane lang and profperoufe reigne to yowr
maift Gracious Maieftie, and fall ever continue,
Your Maiefties maift faythfull and obedient
fubiect and humble fervand,
Edinburgh, the x of Jo. Prestoun.
Februer 1609.
To the Kingis maift Excellent Maieftie.
1 Prestoun of Fentounbarns, latterly of Pennycuik, was admitted an Advocate about
the year 1575, and was raised to the Bench in 1595. He was subsequently appointed
Collector-General of Augmentations ; and in June 1609, was promoted to be Balmeri-
noch's successor, as President of the Court of Session. He died in June 1616.
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 185
CX.— THE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gkaciouse Soveraigne,
We cannot expreffe the joy and contentment quhilk bothe we
and other your Maiefties gud fubieclis in thir partis haif confavit, be the
anfweris returnit from your Hienes to the petitions of the lait General
Affemblie, and the happie beginningis of this Conventioun, for effecting
the fam, at your Maiefties command and diredtioun ; for the qhiche, as
we haif diredtit our Brother,1 the berar heirof, in al our namis, to render
vnto your Maieftie moft humble and hartie thankis, fo be him we ar
humblie to intreat the continewance of your Hienes favour in the
conftant profequutioun of thir effairis : be quhiche we do not onlie
expect a ful overthrow of the Popifche courfis heir, but alfo be thir
meanis, we truft to find ane eafie progreffe in the reft of your Maiefties
fervice, committit to ws, for the Kirk : and if be one labour we may bring
about two fo gud workis, we hope your Maieftie wil think we haif reafon
to infift and perfew the more erneftlie this bufines ; efpeciallie qhen as
we find the enemyis of our religioun grow daylie in pryd and infolencie,
nothing humblit with ony thing that yit is done or intendit, but fcoffing
rather at all your Maiefties procedingis, and bragging, as is thair maner,
that this teinpeft wil not continew, and that it wil pruif but a gowk
ftorm (for thir be the wordis, Sire, that thai commonlie vfe). Qhat is
notwithftanding our care for reducing tham in the right way, we mean
the two headis of that fadtioun that ar now in ward, al men haif fen,
qhen as, vnrequyrit be tham in ony forte, we did direct of our number,
from the meting of the Commiflioneris, a certain to conferre and reafon
with tham vpon the dangeris thay had throwen tham felfis into be thair
obftinacie againft the trewth, and vpon the meanis of thair reclaming,
offering for our partis al that culd be don to thair better refolutioun ;
yit nothing hes availit. To hear fermonis, altho the fam hes ben vrgit
vpon the Marques be Mr Patrik Simfon,2 thai wil not aggre ; conference
1 Gavin Hamilton, Bishop of Orkney. • See P. Symsone's letter, p. 192.
2a
186 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [160l».
thai defyre none, and ar fo far every way from yeilding, that thai glorie
in thair punifchmentis, calling tham perfecutiounis, and boafting of thair
redines to fuffer deathe in that querrel. If thofe thingis, qhiche wilbe
at griter lenthe declarit vnto your Maieftie, deferve any relenting of
prefent rigoure, and how longe thai ftand in thir termis, taking no courfe
for fatiffactioun of the Kirk, if it falbe expedient to releafe tham of
thair wardis, or grant any fort of inlargement, qhiche is the onlie thing
thing thai craif, we leave it to your Maiefties wyfe and princlie confider-
atioun ; and qhat heartning this might bring to the enemie, qhat
danger to the quyetnes of your Maiefties Kirk and Countrey, how grit a
forow and greif to al your Hienes gud fubiectis, and qhat difcrcdit to
ws, qhom your Maieftie hes honoured with fum imployment in your
fervice. Thefe thingis we befeiche your Maieftie to weighe, and in this
mater of fo grit importance, we humblie vpon our kneis do craif this
favor, that al requeftis and privat futis, maid in the behalf of thofe men,
altho with informatioun of thair redynes to conform them felfis to the
religioun profeffit, may with your Maieftie find no other regard than
thai merit. And gif it fuld pleife your Hienes to anfwer thir fo impor-
tun futeris, that your Maieftie wold fchew no favour to ony of tham,
vntil fuche tym as fatiffactioun wer maid to the Churche, we ar affurit
thair pryd fuld be haftelie abatit, and this fuld pruif a powerful reafon
to worke thair converfioun. Your Maieftie knowis that it is thair maner
to infult vpon the leaft fchew of favour ; and for ws, it had ben a thow-
fand tymis better never to haif challendgit thair apoftafte, than that thai
fuld find any mitigatioun before thair profeffit repentance.
In thir effairis that we prefum to importune your Maieftie with fo
tedioufe a letter, we craif your Hienes favorable pardon (for the zeal of
your Maiefties honour tranfporte ws fum qhat in this bufines), and
for other thingis that concerne the eftait of our Churche, as we haif
put tham down in feveral Articles, qhairin we befeche your Maieftie to
gif credit to the berar heirof, fo we intreat your Hienes favorable
anfwer ; and qhat in your Maiefties grit judgment falbe thocht fit we
defy1* may be commendit to our Lord the Erie of Dumbare his care
and diligence, qhofe fidelitie and erneftnes makis eafie executioun of
al your Maiefties commandementis : And now, killing your Maiefties
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 187
hands in al humilitie, we tak our leave, praying God Almychtie for your
Hienes longe and profperoufe regne.1
Your Maiefties humble and obedient fervitoris,
Ross. Sanctandrois.
An. Isles. Glasgow.
M. P. Galloway. Cathnes.
Jo. Hall. Ja. B. of Orcads.
Edr- the 10 Feb"-- 1609.
To his moft Excellent Maieftie.
(XI.— MEMORIALLS TO BE PROPONED TO HIS MOST EXCELLENT
MAJESTY.
[These Memorials, inserted in Calderwood's History, Scott's Apol. Narration, and the
Booke of the TJniversall Kirk, contain the Articles mentioned in the previous letter
(No. CX.) to the King. Calderwood says, " The Bishop of Galloway, Mr Gawin
Hammiltoun, was sent up to Court, to informe his Majestic of all things needfull for
the furtherance of their course and advancement. The Memorialls penned by Mr
Spotswod, than Bishop of Glasgow, now Bishop of St Andrewes, but by warrant
and with the advice of the rest of the Bishops, sent at that tyme, I have heere set
down, just confonne to the principall, writtin with Mr Spotswood's owne hand, and
found among Mr fiawin Hammiltoun's writts immediatlie after his death, which we
have in our hands, to verifie the truthe of this copie." History, vol. vii. p. 5.]
1. You fall relate the proceedings of the late Convention, and what
affectioun fome that were prefent kythed therein, that his Majeflie may
be forfeene with men's difpofitiouns, for the better choice of thefe to
whom the affaires fall be concredited.
2. You fall remember the care we have had of reclaiming the Mar-
1 The original letter, in Spottiswood's hand, is indorsed, — " B. B. Gladst. of St And.
Spotsw. of Glascow, and Law of Orcades, intreates that theErles of Huntly and Errol suld
not be enlarged quhill they gewe satisfactione to the Kirk for the apostasie to Poperie.
10 Feb. 1609."
188 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
quife of Huntlie, and the Earle of Erroll, from their errours, and the
fmall profite we have feene thereof; and infift for his Majefties favour to
the petitioun of our Letter.
8. Anent the Minifters that are confined, your Lordfhip fall excui'e
the requeft made he us in fome of their favours, fhowing how it pro-
ceeded ; and farther declare, that of late they have taken courfe to give
in fupplicatiouns to the Counfel for their enlargeing to a certain time,
for doeing their particular bufineffes at Seffioun, and otherwife in the
countrie, and that fome of them have purchafed licence be the votes of
the Counfell, albeit we opponed : Therefor befeek his Majeftie to re-
member the Counfell that the confineing of thefe Minifters was for faults
done be them to his Hienes felf, and that they fhould be acknowledged
and confeffed to his Majeftie, and his Hienes pleafure underftood therein,
before the grant of any favour ; otherwife they fall undoe all that has
been hitherto followed for the peace of the Kirk.
4. Touching the Ere6tiouns, it is our humble deftre to his Majeftie,
that the Noblemen, in whofe favours the fame hath been paft, may take
order for the provifion of their Kirks, according to the conditions made
in Parliament, or then difcharge their Erections, which feems beft to be
done be an A6t in this infewing Parliament, for which his Majefties
warrant would be had : And ficklike, fome courfe would be taken for
the Prelacies erected, which have paft alfo the conftant Piatt ; that the
prefentatioun of Minifters to the modified ftipends, at the vacancie of
the Church, fhould be in his Majefties hand, whereunto, although his
Majefties exprefs commandment was given of before, no head was taken
be fuch as had the charge of affairs.
5. Since this matter of the Commiffariats importeth fo much to the
reformatioun of our Church government, as this being reftored, in a
little time the reft may be fupplied that will be wanting, it fhall be good
to remember it be a ferious letter to my Lord Dumbar, that we may
know in due time what is to be expected. And fince our greateft hin-
drance is found to be in the Seffion, of whom the moft part are ever in
heart oppofite unto us, and forbear not to kyth it when they have occa-
fion, yow fhall humbly intreat his Majefty to remember our fuit for the
Kirkmcns place according to the firft inftitution, and that it may take at
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 189
this time forae beginning, fince the place vacant was even from the be-
ginning in the hands of the Spirituall fide, with fome one Kirkman or
other till now ; which might it be obtained, as wer molt eafie be his Ma-
jeures direction and commandment, there fhould be feen a fudden change
of many humours, in that State, and the Commonweill would find the
profite thereof.
6. Anent our Conference with the Miniltrie,1 your Lordfhip will de-
clare the time that is appointed, and the reafons of the continuation of
the fame.
7. Becaufe in the time of Parliament chiefly it fhould be expedient to
have the Bifhops teach in the pulpits of Edinburgh, his Majeftie would
be pleafed to commend this to my Lord Dumbar be a particular letter ;
and to require alfo the Minifters of Edinburgh to defire their help at
that time, if it were for no other end, but to teftifie their unity and con-
fent of mind to the Eftates.
8. Becaufe the Kirk of Leith lyeth deftitute in a fort, through the
Bifhop of Roue his age, and the imprifonment of Mr John Murray ; and
that the laid Mr John is no way minded, as appeareth,2 to give his Ma-
jeftie fatiffaction ; neither were it meet, in refpe6t of his carriage, that he
fhould return to that Miniltrie ; and to infill in his deprivation with the
Commifiioners, might perhaps breed unto us a new difficulty : If his
Majeftie fall be pleafed, we do hold it moft convenient for this errand,
that the faid Mr John be conveened before the Counfell be his Ma-
jefties command, and be them be charged to ward in the Toun of
Newabbey and fome miles about, having libertie to teach that people,
amongft whom he fhall find fome other fubject to work upon than the
State of Bifhops.
And for the provifion of Leith, that his Majeftie will be pleafed to
1 At the General Assembly in November 1608, in the view of conciliating the two
parties in the Church, a Conference was proposed, and Commissioners appointed to meet
in February following ; but the meeting was adjourned to the 4th May 1609. A report
of the proceedings at this Conference is contained in the Booke of the Universall Kirk,
vol. iii. p. 1069 : See also Calderwood, vol. vii. p. 27, and Scott's Apol. Narration, p. 211.
J This assertion seems very much opposed to the terms of the Supplication in behalf of
Murray in the month of November preceding : See No. CII.
190 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
command the Prelbyterie of Edinburgh, in regarde of the Bifhop of
Roffe his age, and the faid Mr John's tranfportation be his Hienes ap-
pointment, to have care that the faid Kirk of Leith be planted with all
convenient diligence be Mr David Lindfay, fometimes Minifter of Sanct
Andrews, for whom both the people is earned, and we may have fuffi-
cicnt affurance to his Majefties fervice. And in cafe the faid Prefbyterie
prove wilfull, that another letter to the fame effect may be fent to the
Commiffioners of the Generall Affembly, who may take order to fee that
matter ended, if fuch fall be his Majefties pleafure ; and this would be
done with all diligence convenient.
We cannot but remember alfo the miforder creeping in the countrie,
that once was happily repreffed, the wearing of gunnes and piftolls ; and
humbly befeek his Majefty, that fome new courfe may be eftablilhed be
fearchers of fuch perfons, and delating of them to the Counfell, that they
may be puniflied ; and that the Treafurer may have commandment to
make choice, in everie country, of certain that fliall be thought fitteft to
fearche, which fliall be known only to his Lordfhip felf, and fatiffie them
for their pains, to the end this infolcnce may be reftrained. Particularly
it would be forbidden in the granting of Commiffions, that this liberty
be not permitted ; for this is one of the caufes of their fo open bearing,
as faid is.
Thefe particulars, your Lordfhip will have care to propone to his
Majcftic at fome fit time, and fee the anfwers thereof difpatched ac-
cordingly.
Your Lordship shall remember my Lord GLASGOW,
of Caithnes and his pensioun. Be warrant, and at the desire of tlie
rest of my Lords the Bishops.
[To the Bishop of Galloway.]
My Lord,
When your Lordfhip fall fpeak for the help of our Kirks, be
the fall of thefe men that poffefs our livings, and do juftly incurre his
Majefties indignation be ther hainous offences, be pleafed to remember
the cafe of Lanerk : the poffeflbrs of the tithes be now excommunicated,
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 191
and at the horn. Defire his Majefties favour for the grant of them to
Mr William Birnie, Minifter there, whofe difpofition your Lordfhip
knows to his Majefties fervice ; and his Hienes letter for that effect to
my Lord Treafurer, that he may be poffeffed in the fame with all con-
venient diligence. Likewife remember the provifion of Cramond,1 and
the Bifhop of Dunkeldens intereft to thefe tithes.
Glasgow.
CXII.— THE ARCHBISHOPS OF ST ANDREWS AND GLASGOW AND THE
BISHOP OF ORKNEY TO KING JAMES.2
Most Gratious Soveraigne,
We truft your Maieftie wil not offend that we remember of new
the matter of our Commiffariatis,3 confidering firft the importance of it
to the effecting of your Maiefties moll royall defignis in the reformatioun
of our Church : Nexte the opportunitie of tym, qhiche wald not be ne-
glectit, in qhiche we haif for fum one refpecl; or other the countenancis
of moft men witli ws, that fumtyms haif ftand very oppofit : And thrid-
lie, the commoditie of the Erie of Dumbar, your Maiefties truftie fervant
and Counfallour, his repair hither, qhose care and fidelitie, nexte vnto
your Maiefties favour, we onlie reft vpon. And becaufe in this bufines
we ax not lyk to haif any contradicent, faif the Lordis of Seffioun for
thair privat intreffe, we humblie intreat your Maieftie that fum gud
courfe may be takin for thair fatiffactioun ; and the truft thairof and al
our affairis laid vpon his Lordfhip, qho wil, we hope in God, gif ane
gud accompte of his fervice in that behalf, not be pretending difficulties
and differring the matter to fum more commodioufe tym, as hes ben the
cuftom, but be a faythful performance and effectuating of that qhiche
your Maieftie falbe plefit to inioyne vnto him. For al the qhiche qhat
ial we offer ? or qhat can we quhairvnto we ar not already bound ?
Sir, it is litle we can do. Our vttermoft indevoris in every thing that
1 See No. CXVIII. 2 The original is in Spottiswood's hand. : S<h; No. OXV.
192 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
your Maiefties plefure falbe to command ws, we promife, and fal, God
willing, not be fund fervantis altogither vnprofitable. And now with our
moft humble and heartlie prayeris to God Almyghtie for your Maiefties
longe and profperoufe regne, we reft,
Your Maiefties moft humble and obedient fervantis,
Sanctandrois.
Glasgow.
To his moft Excellent Maieftie. Ja. B. of Orcads.
CXIII.—MR PATRICK SYMSONE, MINISTER OF STIRLING, TO THE
COMMISSIONERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Ryciit Reverend Brethring in Christ Jesus,
I dowbt nocht but ye will haiwe my abfence from this prefent
meitting excufit in regaird of my infirmetie. Yit I thocht meitt in thir
few lynis by wrett to acquent your W.1 with the behauiour of my Lord
Marques of Huntlie fence the Couniale day haldin at Sterling the xxiij of
Marche laft bypaft : viz. My Lord Marques fend for me, and confarrit
in modeft and quyat maner with me anent the heidis of religioun contra-
vertit betuix ws and the Romane Kirk. Quhat I haiwe obtenit be con-
ference it is to fchort a tyme to inak ane perfyte rekening to your
W. Alwayis the firft fruittis ye fall pleis to reflaiwe fubfcryvit be his
Lordfchips hand wrett anent the heid of Juftificatioun.2 And tak fuitche
wyfe confideratioun thairanent as your W. fall think expedient, and in-
ftructt me by your returnit anfuer, with your beft advyfe. Forder, his
Lordfchip hes beine content to heare the word preatchit be me in the
Caftell of Sterling, his Lady, childring, and ferwandis alfo being pre-
fent, except one lady, quhome infirmetie, with werey neir approching hir
birth, did excuife. Alfo his Lordfchip is content (alwayis licience being
1 " W." a contraction lor Wisdomes. '' See page 195.
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 193
purcheffit from his Maiefteis honorable Counfale by your interceffioun)
to cum downe to the Towne of Sterling, and to heare the word preatchit
thair. Quhilk appeirandlie falbe greatter proffeitt to his Lordfchip, les
painis till ws, and greitter contentment to the pepill. His Lordfchip
alfo is in guid efperance and hoip to haiwe the greittar mitigatioun of
all feveretie and rigour to be ufit aganis his Lordfchip the neirar that
he approitchis to imbraice that weretie of Chrift quhilk is profeffit in
this land and preatchit, and allowit be the lawis of oure cuntry. And
in this poynt I will intreate your W. that thair may be fum lytill pro-
rogatioun of tyme, wntill your W. fie quhat farder fruittis may be reapit
of tbis begun conference and heiring of the word foirfaid.
Nocht willing to truble your W. with forder, committis yow and youre
trawellis to the bliffing of the Almichtie. From Sterling, the thrid day
Aprile 1609.
Your brother to command in Chrift,
The Articles subscrived be my Lord Mar- "' SYMSONE.
ques war penned be me, and subscrived be
his L., efter deliberatioune.
To the rycht reverend in Chrift Jefus, the
Commiffionaris of the Generall Affem-
blie convenit at Edinburghe, &c. &c.
CXIV — THE AECHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS TO KING JAMES.
Most Graciouse Soveraigne,
In our meting that kepte at Edinburgh the 4 of this Apryl,' we
refavit four feveral Letteris from your Maieftie : In the firft quherof your
Hienes hes ben plefit to re6tefie ws twiching the excommunicat Noble-
1 At the meeting of the Commissioners of the Kirk, on the 4th of April 1609. This
letter has no date, but it distinctly refers to letters from his Majesty, in reply to the
Memorials, No. CXI., transmitted in the name of the Bishops in February that year.
The original of this letter is also in Spottiswood's handwriting.
2 B
194 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
men, that none of tham fuld refaif ony inlargement of thair wardis, or
mitigatioun of the rigour of law, til firft thai haif givin hopis of thair
ful reclaming, be conference, hearing of fermonis, and conforming tham
felfis in fum fpecial pointis qhairof formerly thai haif Hand in doubte.
The lyk affurance we had from our Brother the Bifchop of Galloway,
qho laitlie had the happines to fe your Maieftie. The advertifmentis
reioyfit ws exceedinghe, and wil no queftioun gif a merveloufe content-
ment to al trew harted profefforis, qhen thai fal vnderftand the fam, as
we haif willit every one of our meting, at his return, to mak fignifi-
catioun of alfe muche to the Prefbiteries and countreyis qhair thai
refide.
In another letter we refafit your Majefties commandement for flaying
al proceding in Excommunicatioun againft perfonis fugitive for capital
crymis, qho dar not gif apperance for hazard of thair lyf, and a charge
to intimat the fam to the reft of the Prefbiteries of the kingdom ; anent
(jhiche, plcife your Maieftie, becaufe it hes ben refavit in our Churche,
and of longe tym obfervit, that the fentence of Excommunicatioun is
pronuncit, not onlie for contumacie, but againft haynoufe offendoris,
that fal in enorm crymis, fumtym in detestationem criminis; fpecialhe
againft fuche as gif no teftimonie of thair repentance be offeris of fatif-
faftioun qhen thai ar cited, we found it very hard for ws to difcharge
the formis that haif ben vfit, hafing no fuche power committit vnto ws
be the Affemblie qhom this moil concernis : Yit confidering the weight
of the reafonis proponit in your Maiefties letter, and perfaving that thir
formis ar difagreable altogether to your Hienes judgment, we haif takin,
and fal with Godis helpe tak fuche order as the lyk fal not be practifit
before the General Affemblie, be qhom, the matter being proponed
vnto tham, we doubte not your Maieftie fal refaif ful fatiffactioun in that
particular.
The thrid and fourte letteris, concerning the planting of Leyth and
Halyrudhoufe, falbe fatiffeit with al diligence convenient ; or if any impe-
diment interven, qhiche be our meanis cannot be remufit, your Maieftie
falbe advertifit to provyd remeid.
Farder, your Maieftie wilbe pleifit, thair wes prefentit to ws, at the
fam meting, a letter from the Marques of Huntley, another from the
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 195
Erie of Errol : that of the Marquefe with a letter that cam with it
from Mr Patrik Simfoun,1 and fum articles fubfcryvit be him contening
his refolutioun in the head of Juftificatioun, we haif fent to your Maieftie,
alfwel for that it had ben longfum to wryt, as that your Hienes poffiblie
might defyr to fie qhat wes his petitioun, and how far he hes procedit.
The Erie of Arroll defyrit a continewatioun of al procedour for a qhyl,
and maid offer of conference, but no more. After we had advyfit bothe
the futtis with your Maiefties faythful fervant and Counfellour, the Erie
of Dumbar, we fand meteft to refer al to your Hienes wyfe confidera-
tioun, for as we find nothing as yit in eyther of tham to muif ws to any
interceffioun at your Maiefties handis, for thair farder eafe and inlarge-
ment, fo your Maieftie is molt wyfe to direct qhat courfe we fal follow,
and qhether the faid Marques fal haif libertie to hear fermon in the
town of Stirling, or be ftil confynit within the Caftel, as the petitioun
maid be Mr Patrik in his behalf proportis.
Thair wes prefentit alfo a Supplicatioun from the young Lard of
Edzel, declaring his extrem greif and forow for the deteftable flauchter
committit be him2 and his partakeris, and defyring humblie ane abl'o-
lutioun of the Churche from his excommunicatioun, vpon his repent-
ance, qhiche he wes contentit to teftifie in any place qhair he mycht
haif fure acceffe. It wes alfo fignifeit vnto ws, be fum of the Prefbiterie
of Brichen, that his forow wes vnfeynedlie grit, and that he wes refolvit
to quyt your Maiefties kingdomis, fen he culd neyther find favour with
your Hienes, qhairof he hes maid himfelf moft vnworthie, nor haif the
partie mufit to refaif affythment and fatiffaclioun for that cruel deide ;
and that he ftayit onlie vpon his abfolutioun, if fo he mycht, before his
1 See No. CXI1I. Another letter from Patrick Symsone, directed " to the Brethren
of the Conference," held at Falkland on the 4th May 1609, is contained in Calderwood's
History (vol. vii. p. 24).
2 David eleventh Earl of Crawford having assassinated his kinsman Sir Walter Lindesay
of Balgawies, David Lindesay younger of Edzell, nephew of Sir Walter, collected an
armed force to revenge the murder. The parties met at night on the High Street of Edin-
burgh, in July 1607, when their uncle, Alexander Lord Spynie, interposing in the hope
of reconciling Crawford and Edzell, was inadvertently slain by the latter. (Douglas's
Peerage, by Wood, vol. ii. p. 518. Lord Lindsay's Lives of the Lindsays, or Memoir of
the Houses of Crawford and Balcarres, vol. i. p. 173. Wigan, 1840, 4 vol. roy. 8vo.)
196 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
parting, obtein it at the handis of the Churche. We, in the reuerence
qhiche becam ws towardis your Maieftie and your Hienes lawis, haif
refufit any dealing with him, excepte your Maieftie fuld be plefit to gif
ws Him toleratioun for the effect forfaid ; and in that cace we wald gif
our confent to fum that mycht try his repentance, and finding it vnfeyn-
ed, might gif him the fpritual comforte that he lies defyrit.
The Erie of Wintoun, and Cathnes, hafing comperit afore ws, haif
bothe of tham gifin the fatiffactioun that wes cravit, fpeciallie the Erie of
Cathnes, of qhom we haif had very gud contentment, and ar in grit hope
that he fal do acceptable fervice to your Maieftie in thofe boundis of his
remayning. May it pleafe your Maieftie therefore to tak fum notice of
this his fatiffactioun and our recommendatioun of him maid to your
Hienes, and wil him for approbatioun of his faythfulnes to your Maieftie
to do his diligence in the apprehending of Jefuitis and Seminaries that
ar thocht to refort in the North partis : we truft affuritlie that to his
vttirmoft he wil indevore him felf for your Maiefties fervice, and do in
fchort tym that qhiche fal gif to your Hienes a fpecial contentment.
Thus farr haif we prefumit to importun your Maieftie, and now with
our prayeris to Almychtie God for your Hienes longe and happie regne,
we reft,
Your Maiefties moft obedient fubiectis and fervantis,
Sanctandrois.
Dunkeld. Glasgow.
M. A. Brechin. Ross.
An. Isles. B. Galloway.
DlJMBLANEN. Ja. B. OF OfiCADS.
M. P. Gallouay. Jo. Hall.
To his moft Sacred and Excellent Maieftie.
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 107
CXV.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS AND THE BISHOPS TO
KING JAMES.
Most gratius Soueran,
May it pleis your Sacrat Maieftie : Quhairas your Maiefteis moil
painfull and loyall feruancl the Erie of Dumbar heth buffiid him fell",
according to his accuftomid vachfulnes, in bringing about the accom-
plifement of your Hienes princely defingment anent our Commiffariatis ;
and to that effect heth affemblid fum of our number, with fum fpeciall
Lords of the Seffione, quho had commiffion from the remanent : Albeit
my Lord of Dumbar and we vrgid inftantlie the perfe6tione of your
Maiefties purpois in this effair, yit the Lordis proponit lb mony objec-
tionis and difficulties to infew heirby, as be liklihead the Steatis in
Parliment1 fould be hardly inducit to accord thairto vnles the famine
ver remouit. Vpon the quhilk, thair hes beine mony dayis conference
and difput anent thois difficultiis, quhill in ende, as Steatifmen and
Counfelleris, thay proponit certen advyfeis, quhilk. be motiuis to facili-
tat the errand. Now, Sir, as we haue mater to blis God, quha hes
geuin ws grace to leive vnder file a Prince, quho, with the profeffion and
mentinance of God's trew vorfchip, heth alfo conioynit in your Royell
hairt fuch ane cair and zeall for the eftablifching of the beautie, policie,
and flurifching fteat of the Church, fo heue we, on the knieis of our
hairt, moil Immblie to thank your Maieftie for your Maiefteis infatiga-
bill painis and moil fingular magnificence imployit for reeftablifching
the dekeyit fteat of our Church in the perfone of ws the Prelatis and
infpe<5toris thairof, vnder your Hienes, our great Conftantin ; and thair-
foir ve heue prefumit to draw vp ane fchort collection of the purpofis
and argumentis quhilk paffit betuix the faid Lordis and ws, that your
Hienes, out of the incomparabill vifdome quhilk your God heth grantit
and fan6tifieit vnto yow, may mak chois of that cours and vay for your
Maiefteis auine feruice quhilk fall feim fiteft to your Hienes in this
1 In the Parliament which was held at Edinburgh in June, when the " Act of the
Commissariatis and Jurisdictioun gevin to Archbishoppis and Bishoppis" was passed, 24th
June 1609.— (Acta Pari. Scot., vol. iv. p. 430.)
198 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
progrefs of your Maiefteis reparatione of our ruinis. For althoght we
could hewe contentit, in regaird of the difficultiis proponit, with funi
niidfis quhilk vor motionid, and relentit fumquhat from the defyred
pcrfcctione ; yit could we not prefum to accept of ony diminution or
cliainge of your Hienes conclufionis and antient Policie of the Church,
without your Maiefteis fpeciall direction and commande. And thairfoir,
we heue referrit all thois queftionis and doubtis to your Maiefteis vyfe
deffifione and guid plefour, to be impertit to ws be your Maiefteis moft
trufti Counfeller and painefull feruand forfaid. It will pleis your Maief-
tie, quhen your Maieftie fall think conuenient to perufe thois notis
quhilk we heue mead heiranent, and to direct your Maiefteis plefour
and determinatione quhen your Hienes fall think meiteft. Thus, efter
we have humblie kiffet your Hienes handis, we befeik God to beftow and
increfs on your Maiefteis royell perfone and efteatt all fort of bliffingis
for euer, ve fall remaine,
Your Maiefteis moft humbill feruands and oratoris,
M. A. Brechin. Sanctandrois.
Ja. B. of Orcads. Dunkeld.
An. Isles. Dumblanen.
Edinburgh, the 7 of Apryll [1609.]
CXVI.— THE EARL OF DUNBAR, AND THE BISHOPS OF GALLOWAY
AND ORKNEY TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Soverane,
May it pleafe your Hienes : Vpon the ficht and confideratioune
of your Maiefteis letter fent to me, the Earle of Dumbare, anent the
inlarging of the Marqueife of Huntlie his warde, we, the Bifchops of
Galloway and Orcnay, being only at this tyme in Edinburgh, and requy-
red to give our advyfe thairanent, we have prefumed to acquent your
Hienes, that the Archbifchope of Glafgow and a reaffonable number of
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 190
Bifchops being convened heir the weeke befoir, and confulting togidder
anent the beft meanes for advancing your Hienes fervice at the enfuing
Generall Affemblie, thocht it moil expedient that the Marqueife of
Huntlie, and the vther two Earles confined, fould vpon no offeris or
conditiounes be inlarged befoir the faid Affemblie. "We were bold to
take fuche refolutioune, knawing the greate contentment your Maiefteis
directiounes anent their confining hes givin vniuerfallie to all forte of
your Hienes beft fubjects, in fo muche that the hartis of all men ar
inclined to quyetnes and obedience, and we do affuiredlie expect ane
happie fucces of all thingis concerning your Maiefteis fervice, molt
humble befeeching your Gratious Hienes to alter nothing, anent the
confining of the Marqueife and the vther two Earles, to the Affemblie,
quhair all thingis we hope falbe done to your Maiefteis pleafure and
contentment, with the applaufe and confent of all. Thus, from our
hartis praying to God for a long and a profperous reigne to your Hienes,
we reft,
Your Maiefteis moft humble and obedient fervitouris.
DoWNBAK.
B. Galloway.
[No address.'] Ja. B. of Orcads.
CXVII THE BISHOP OF ORKNEY TO THE PRESBYTERY OF
JEDBURGH.
REUEREND AND WEILBELOLED BRETHER,
I haue fent to yow the edi<ft to be publifched in your churches
the Sabbothe following, ether be interchang and preaching one in ane
others kirk, whiche wer moft formall and aggreabill to the ordinance of
the Affemblie, or be ony vther way your Wifdomes fall aggre to be more
meit and les trublefom to your felfis. I haue aggreit to vifit Melrois
vpon the 26 and 27 of this moneth, and Kelfo upon the 28 and 29. So
it falbe very meit for the cours of my purpois and trauell to corn to yow
vpon the laft of this inftant, and begin your tryall the Mononday or
20Q ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
Tuyfday thereftir : that is in my reckning the 2 or 3 of May. Ye will
deuyd your kirkis among your felues, that fome may pas the one, fome
tlu> vther day.
Brether, I haue giuen to yow fufficient proue how cairfull and wil-
ling I am to begine and proceid with quyetnes, and to haue and
keip peace with yow, and in the kirk there ; and giue ye will expeel
the cucnt of my proceiding in that Vifitation, ye fall fee, by Godis grace,
that my actionis fall not charg my profeffion with vntreuth, and that 1
fall endeauour to do all thingis, with your aduys and help, to the good
of the Kirk and your contentment. Bot if ye will repyne and refufe
tryall vpon fufpicionis, jealoufies, or happily vpon pryd, contempt, and
confcienc of giltines, then I will atteft your own confciences, and God
the fearcher of hartis, that I fall be innocent of any trubill or danger
that fall come vpon yow; affuring yow, that being authorifed by the
King his command and commiffion of the Generall Affemblie, I will not
Hand to proceed cum jure et potestate vtriusque gladij. Sed Deus meli-
ora. Trailing that reafon, loue of peace priuat and public!;, the example
of your fellow Prefbitries, and all dewtie, fall moue yow ; and expecting
your anfwer in wreit, I commend yow to the direction of the Holy Ghofi,
and the bleffing of God in all your confells and calling.
Your lotting Brother,
Edinburgh, 9 Apryll [1609.] Ja. B. of Orcads.
B. of Orknay to the Prefbiterie of Jedburgh, This.
CXVIII.— THE BISHOPS OF ROSS AND ORKNEY TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Soverane :
May it pleafe your Majeftie, the Kirk of Crawmond, whilk befoir
was ane proper pairt of the Bifhoprick of Dunkeld, is now by alleged
right of patronage, and verie lang tackes, in the poffeffion of James
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 201
Lord Balmerinoch. And althought the faid Kirk be worth more than
t'ourtie chalders victual!, twentie whereof is yerely paied to him, and the
reft is to fall in his hand this yeare by expiring of all the tackes1 fet be
him befoir ; as alfo that he hes in pennon threttene fcoir markes, whilk
is the yerelie dutie ufed to be payed for the faid teindes ; nevertheles
both he, adhering to the right of his penfion and tackes, and the Bifhop
of Dunkeld by reafon the faid Kirk is now difmembred from his bene-
fice, refufis allnterly to provide the Minifter of Crawmond2 with any
competent ftipend, whereby he is enforced to forfake his ftation ; and that
Kirke fo neare Edinburgh, whilk hes ever bene planted fince the Refor-
mation, is left defolate, to the great offenfe of all that hearis the fame.
Sir, there is no hope nor help for this and many other evils, but from
vour gracious Majefties greit wifdome, favour, and power, who hes
allwayis bene, and wee truft fhall ever be, an nurifhing Father to this
poore Kirk. Nather ar we able, within the fhort lilies of this letter,
to expone to your Majeftie the manifold and greit damnages whilk do
yerelie encroch and firmly infeft them felves upon the fpoiled patri-
mony of this Kirk, efpecially through the erections both of Prelacies
and Patronages. The Patrons refufing both prefentation and compe-
tent provifion to the actuall Paftors, and fo (thought they be tackfmen
alfo) robbis the Kirk both of ber right and rent againft all law and rea-
fon. The Prelats fome of them omitting out of their erection many
of thefe kirks, whilk they or their prediceffors have fett in lang tackes,
only that they may now be that trick efcape the charge of the provi-
fion. Others having obteined by pluralitie of voices fuch favour, that
1 See Wood's Ancient and Present State of the Parish of Craniond, p. 17. Edinb.
1794, 4to.
2 This was no new complaint against the Patron or holder of the benefice. In the
stated Visitation of the Kirk of Cramond, the Commissioners of the Presbytery of Edin-
burgh, on the 21st August 1599, reported, " efter tryell of Mr Michaell Cranstone,
Minister," — " that his people were edefiit be his doctrine, honest in lyf, diligent in dis-
cipline and visitation, &c. — Then thai fand, be report, that the Bischop of Dunkell, quha
in Persone of the Kirk, nather upholds thair Queir, nor furnischis elementis to the Com-
munion ; quhilk thai remittit to the Presbyterie," &c. " The report being considerit, it is
eoncludit, that the next Generall Assemblic of the Kirk salbe requeistit to annull the Act
made in favouris of the Bischop of Dunkell; throw the quhilk Act the said Kirk of
Cramond is defraudil of sick dewties as the Persone is bund to do to the Kirk."
2 c
202 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
there is leffe than the juft Thrid of their Prelacies modified to their kirks,
and to foine of their kirks les than thay had in poffeffion many yeiris
hefoir be ordinary aflignation ; and whilk is principallie to be regarded,
if it fhall be free to thefe Prelats and Patrons to prefer any they like
heft to thefe poore ftipends, and gif the ftipend fhall be payed by them
and their Chalmerlanes, and no ccrtane place defigned for payment of
the famin, in all tyme cumming, then we dout not but your Maieltie,
in your great wifdome and providence, will both fee and foirfee what
greit evils will come out of that Trojan Hors.
The confcience of our dutie, the common cair of the Kirk lying upon
us, the grives and complaints of our diftreffed Brethren, lies moved us
to take this boldnes, as to fignifie thefe things to your gracious Majeftie,
and moft humblie to entreat your Hienes to give direction and order to
this approaching Parliament,1 that ather the former Commiffion for Mo-
dification may be extended, or new Commiffion given to heare the com-
plaints of all that fobs under their diftreffes, with power to them to
relieve the fame, and in fpeciall the Kirk of Crawmond, whilk is pre-
fently layd waft and deftitute of a Minifter.2 Befeeking your Majeftie,
pardon this our boldnes, and in your own greit wifdome to help thefe
prefent evils, and to prevent worfe likely otherwife to enfew, we pray
God to preferve and to bleffe your Sacred Majeftie with all bleffings of
this prefent and future life.
Your Majefteis moft humble fubjectis and fervitors,
Ross.
To his moft Excellent Majeftie. Ja. B. of Orcads.
1 Held at Edinburgh, 24th June 1609.
Mr Michael Cranstoun succeeded Patrick Syrusone as Minister of Cramond, about the
year 1590. He survived till 1631. For many years he was very zealous for Pres-
bytery ; but he was gained over to the moderate party. In allusion to this change in his
conduct, Calderwood, under the year 1596, mentions him as " Mr Michaell Cranstoun, then
a very forward Minister, but now key-cold." (Hist., vol. v. p. ,512) ; and, at the Assembly
at (ilasgow in 1610, he says, some of the Ministers " was promised augmentation of their
stipends, uamelie, to Mr Michaell Cranstoun, Minister at Cramond, which teas also per-
formed." (lb. vol. vii. p. 98.)
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 203
CXIX.— THE AECHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratioits Soixeraigne,
May it pleafe your molt Excellent Majeflie : Althocht I will not
prsefume to giue your Majeftie ane forder informatioune or aduyfe in
that commoune errand of your Hienes feruice belonging to our Eftait,
than that, quhilk in our laft meeting in Edinburgh, and fince laitlie in
Falkland, we haue be our writ impairted to your Gratious Hienes, as I
think my Lord of Glafgo hath related to your moft Gratious Majeftie :
Yet anent that commoune feruice, I wald maift humblelio befeik your
Majeftie that the perfectioune thairof fould be minted to, and ane act
thairof drawne wp and effayed ; and if that be not lykelie to fucceede,
that the uther interim be prefented as your Majeftie fall think fitteft
(for I am in gude hope euen of the beft). Bot befyds hauing heir, of
your Hienes, charge of the ouerfeing this Vniuerfitie, the ordering
qnhairof makis great importance to your Majefties credite in Kirk and
Commounweill, quhairin, althocht paines be taken in Vifitations for rec-
tifeing the abufes thairof, yet becaus that kynd of judgement is not
formallie authorifed be law and act of Parliament, final or litle execu-
tioune followes thairvpon. Thairfor I haue thocht meit to draw out ane
act, to be figned be your Majefties hand, for eftablifching that Judi-
catorie, and authorifing your Majefties Vifitations bypaft, bot for to
mak fchow, haue made ane gratious narratiue and ane confirma-
tioune of the Act maid in Parliament for reformatioune of the faid
Vniuerfitie ; the obferuatioune quhairof will fo terrifie them, as it will
inak them all in your Majefties reuerence ; and, Sire, ther ar findrie
points of feruice both injoyned, and uthers neceffarie, quhilks I darre
not enterpryfe, quia erubesco sine Lege loqui. I will maift humblelie befeik
your maift Gratious Maieftie to tak a vieu of this Act, as I haue formed
it, amending or allowing it according to your Majefties incomparable
wifdome, and to direct the famen to my Lord Erie of Dumbar with his
wthers employments. Thus, attending moft humblelie vpon your Ma-
jefties royal appoyntment in quhatfomeuer feruice I can availe, and efter
204 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
I haue raoft humblelie kiffed your Hienes hands, and begged licence
once in this Summer to fee your Majeftics moft gratious face, I earneftlie
befeik God to bleffe your Majefties royal eftait and maift noble perfone
with all fpiritual and temporal benediction for euer. I fall remain,
Your Majefties moft humble oratour
and faythful fervant,
At Sanctandrois, this laft of May 1609. Sanctandrois.
To the Kinge his moft Excellent Majeftie.
CXX— SIB PETER YOUNG OF SEATON TO KING JAMES.
Please your Majestie,
I deliuered this day your Majefties bookes, the one in Latin,
and the other in Englifh, with your Majefties armes vpon them, to my
Lord of Yorke, as your Majeftie commanded me, who receaued the
fame with all humilitie, flexis genibus deosculando, accounting this not
the fmalleft benefite of fo great and many he hath receaued from your
Majeftie before: That your Majefties ouen bookes, dedicated by the
Author to moft mighty monarches, kings, and trie princes' only, and
lent to them by feuerall meffingers from your Majeitie, fhuld alfo be
exprefly fent to him, your Majefties mein fubie6t and orator (and fo
BaaiXiKw Sapov in deid), by one whofe feruice your Majeftie had vfed long
agoe to findry kings and princes ouer feas. He promifeth he fliall^eli-
gioufly keip them as the aple of his eye, fo long as he liueth, and read
them ouer and ouer agane, as diligently, as they deferue worthely, as
well for the Authors fake as for the mater, et tractandi modum inimitabi-
lem : And that he hath no thing to render to your Majeftie but moft
1 " The Apologie for the Oath of Allegiance," by King James, " now acknowledged
by the Author," which was printed at London, April 8, 1 609, in 4to, contains a " Pre-
monition of his Majestie, to all most Mightie Monarehs, Kings, free Princes and States
of Christendom."
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 205
humble thankis, and fuche feruice as he is able to doe, fo long as he
liueth, with his hearty prayers to God Almighty for your Majefties long
and profperous regne, wherunto I ioyne myne from the bottome of
my hart. And fo, in my Lord of Yorkes name, and in my owen, moft
humbly killing your Majefties royall handis, I take my leaue.
From Yorke, this 19 of June 1609, which was your Majefties moft
bleffed birth day 43 [years] agoe : Quern diem nos hie celebrauimus
alacres, non sine Regio poculo in orbem, vt moris est, impigre propinato
atque exhausto.
Your Maiefties moft humble, faithfull, and
obedient oldeft fervant,1
Sir,
I have begged this enclosed from my
Lord of Yorke, which, albeit in re tenni, I
thought not onvorthy of your Majesties
reading. Quod ad me attinet, in reditu (si
modo Deus mihi redire concesserit) senectuti
niece ingruenti tranquillum portum expeeto,
turn conjugi, liberu et familice ; ne perpetuo
jjeregrinari, et incertit sedibus vagari cogar.
To the Kingis Maieftie.
CXXI.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratiocs Soueraigne,
May it pleafe your moft Excellent Majeftie : As of all vyces
ingratitude is moft deteftable, I findand my felf not only as firft of that
1 Young's signature to this letter was probably familiar to the King. It seems merely
to be his name written in Greek, " 6 nirnf." Another letter, with a similar signature,
occurs in the volume of Balfour's MSS., containing " Letters to King James from Learned
Men, &c." — Mr Peter Young, who became King's Almoner, and was employed in various
embassies abroad, had been appointed one of his preceptors, in 1570, along with George
Buchanan. At a later period, he received the honour of knighthood. Sir James Mel-
ville, in contrasting him with his colleague, says, " Mr Peter Young was more gentle,
I
206 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
dead Eftait quhilk your Majeftie hath re-create, hot alfo in my priuate
conditione fo ouerquhelraed with your Majefties princely and magnifick
benignitie, could not hot repaire to your Majefties moft gratious face,
that fo vnworthie ane creature micht both fee, bliffe, and thanke my
Earthly Creator, lykas I in my miffive, quhilk I wes bold to direct to
your Hienes be my brother-in-law, I protefted the fame micht be with
your Majefties moft gratious licence. Thair is alfo fome occafione to
offer to your Majeftie fome Ouertures anent your Hienes fervice, quhich
yet hath gottin litle promotione, albeit our wages be weill payed befor
the hand. Thefe things I could not committe to onie. Thus, I hope
your Majeftie will accept in gude pairt this my journey, quhich the
wings of loue and affeclione hath facilitate aboue my awne hope and
the wiffes of my difappoynted euilwillers. Sua I committe your Majeftie
to God his bleffed proteftione.
Your Majefties humble fervitour,
At Standford, 11 of Sept. 1609. Sanctandrois.'
To the King his moft excellent Majeftie.
CXXIL— THE LORDS OF PEIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious and Sacred Souerane,
This beirar the Bifchop of the Yllis, returning laitlie frome the
Yllis, whair he careyed him felff with goode credite and reputatioun, he
and was loath to offend the King at any time, carrying himself warily, as a man who had
a mind to his own weal, by keeping of his Majesties favour." He died 7th January
1628, aged 84, leaving very considerable property, while Buchanan, at the time of his
death, in 1582, had " na uther goods nor geir," than the sum of £100 (Scottish money)
due of his pension from the fruits of Crossraguel Abbey. (Irving's Life of Buchanan,
pp. 123, 385, 395.)
1 Among Calderwood's papers (Wodr. MS., Folio Vol. XLU., No. 61.), is an old trans-
cript of this letter, indorsed by the same hand as marked the originals.
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 207
maid his appeirance this day befoir your Maieflies Counfaill, and pre-
fentit vnto thame a Reporte of his diligence and procedingis thair in
your Maiefties feruice, the particularis whairof in euery circumftance
he will amplie relait vnto your Sacred Maieftie. And fwa recommend-
ing him vnto your Maiefteis gratious and fauourable acceptance, we
pray God to bliffe your Maieftie with a long, happy, and profperous
reign. From your Maiefteis burgh of Edinburgh, the 28 of September
1609.
Your Sacred Maiefteis moft humble
and obedyent fubiedtis and feruitouris,
Al. Cancell8.
To the King his moft Sacred Eoss.
and excellent Majeftie. R. Cokburne.1
CXXm.— THE AECHBISHOP OF GLASGOW TO KING JAMES.
Most Geaciowse Soveraigxe,
The Letter qhiche plefit your Maieftie to fend to the Citie of
Glafgo for electing thair Bailzeis this yeir infewing, wes be fum of thair
number fo mifconftrued, as it bred no litle bufines, yit at laft thai ar
wonne to obedience, and haif advyfit to paffe from thair new liberties,
and betake tham felfis to the cuftom of former tyinis, qhiche as it is
more auncient, fo wil it pruif better muche to thair eftait than the new
formis thai defyrit. And if it may be your Maiefties gud plefure to
hear a litle of the courfe that hes ben kepte in thir materis : qhairas
at the reffait of your Hienes letter, qhiche wes vpon the 3 of Novem-
ber, the anfwer wes delayit to the ellevint of the fam ; al the mid tym
wes fpent in animating the Burgeffis againft the direcliounis of it,
(jhairin fum of the facftioufe fo prevailit, that in the morning of that
ellevint day it wes noyfed that al the peple of the Citie wald meit at the
1 These three names are written at the left hand side, in the view, no doubt, of the
letter receiving some additional signatures.
208 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
Tolbuith and oppofe tham felfis, be taking proteftatiouns in contrair of
the letter : Certain alfo wer put out to warne me that it wer not expe-
dient I cum to the Councell, becaufe in oppofitioun thair might fal out
fiim thingis that wald not eaulie be redreffit. Sufpecting the counfall
that wes gifin me, I anfwerit, that as I had delyverit your Maiefties
letter, fo I wald not ceafe to vrge the obedience thairof, and if any man
wald be vnruly, I fuld be patient, thairfore I wald keip the place to bear
witnes to every man's doinge. This hard, thai refolve not to meit at al ;
and qhen I wes cum to the Tolbuith, abyding thairin from ten to twelf,
none apperit. Certain of the Minifters of the toun, the Principal of the
Colledge, and fum other gentilmen, were withine, in qhofe prefence I
tuk docuinentis in the handis of thre noteris of this thair refufe, witneffit
be thair wilful abfence, and certefeit tham I wald advertife your Hienes.
The confcience of thair mifbehaviour, and fear of complayning, drew
tham to interceid in the evening with me, be thair Paftoris, that I wald
not be haftie to advertife, promifing at my defyr to convcn the nexte
day and gif a reverent anfwer : qhiche thay did, taking the courfe that
your Maieftie wil perfaif in thair A6te of Counfal, fubfcryvit be the Clerk
of the town and thre Minifters as witneffis. The Craftis that had not
place to meit with tham in counfal convenit aparte, and delyverit thair
mynd alfo, profeffing thair obedience, with ane humble acknowledging
of your Maiefties favoris done to thofe of thair number that wer detenit
in warde, and defyring the electioun of thair magiftratis might be after
the auncient form fimplie, qhairin thai wer fum qhat different from
the counfall, as your Maieftie wil perfaif be the reading of bothe tliair
writtis. After this, apperit ane wonderful change in the peple, al of
tham ftrvving who fuld be firft in obedience and beft reportit of : fo as
now we onlie attend your Maiefties gud plefure, to follow it without ony
furder reafoning ; and if I may be fo bold, vpon the knowledge of thair
prefcnt eftaitt, in al humblenes I prefent my opinioun to your moft
Sacred Maieftie, that it may be your Hienes gratioufe plefure to com-
mand tham of new to ele&e the Balzeis that wer nominat be your
Maieftie in the firft Letter, and to ngnifie that it is your Hienes mynd
thai baif no Proveft at this tym ; but in the mean qhyl to chufe a dif-
cret Counfal of the Town, halfe of the merchantis, the other of the
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 209
eraftis, according to the roll I haif fent, qhairunto of both parties I haif
warrand, and yit can not be weil refavit of that multitude without your
Maieilies fpecial direclioun. And as to the defyr of the Counfal of the
Town, anent the electioun of the Proveft, pleife your Maieftie to referve
it to your Hienes gud advyfe for a certan tym.1 This, Sir, if it may
pleis vour Maieftie to command, wilbe readylie effec~lit, and fal bring
thingis to fuche quyetnes heir as it fal not be remembrit thair wes
amongeft thain formerlie any difference.
Pardon me, Sir, that I am fo longe in this matter, for I defyr the
difpofitioun of the peple fuld be knawin to your Maieftie, and my
panis takin with tham, fum tymis threatning, fum tymis perfwading
and warning tham out of pulpit to bewar of fuche courfis as had the
Minifteris taken in thair rebellioun, qho thocht the libertie of the Kirk
was hafarted in the obedience of your Hienes commandementis. But
for thofe maters of the Minifters, pleis your Maieftie, we ar heir quyet,
and thair abl'ence wil even bred a forgetfulnes. The Bifchop of SancT;
Androwis lies peace at wil, qhairby your Maieftie can tak vp the inftru-
mentis of his truble. Sir, I haif oft faid, and I repet it, be your
Maiefties leave, faythful and fracke fervants in the Eftait, that wil
feik your Maiefties honour, and vrge obedience not for the maneris fake,
but in effe&e to fe your Hienes wil performit, fal eafilie keip thingis
in rule heir, bothe in Kirk and Policie.
Xow, Sir, that matteris ar brocht to ane rcafonable point in this place
qhair your Maieftie wes plefit to fet me, and generallie in the Kirk, as wil
appeir I truft in the approching Affemblie, if I may, without your Maiefties
offence, I wald humblie begge leave of retyring, and yeild my Bifchoprick
to one that can ferve, now qhen thingis ar fetlit, better nor my felf. Sir,
I defyr the world fuld fe that ambitioun did not fet me on worke, but a
defyr to ferve your Maieftie in a gud worke that had many enemyis ;
and inded, Sir, I find my burdens infupportable : qhiche, if I may
obten at your Maiefties handis, I fal count my felf happie ; if other-
1 On the 3d October 1609, James Inglis was elected Provost of Glasgow, and Matthew
Tumbull, George Muir, and James Braidwood, Bailies. Cleland however makes no
mention of any new election having taken place ; and says, that Inglis was the first lesi-
dent citizen of Glasgow who became Provost. — (Annals of Glasgow, vol. i. p. 159.)
2d
210 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
wvl'e, I fal bellow that qliilk rcilis of my lyf to your gracioufe pleafure.
qhairvnto I haif onlie confecratit my felf, with a neglect of al outward
tliingis qhatfumevir.1 Craving mail! humblie your Maiefties favor in
this, and pardon for my langfum wryting, I pray Almyghtie God to git
your Maieftie many gud dayis for the weil of his Kirk.
Your Maiefties humble fervant,
Glasgow.
To his moft Sacred Maieftie.
CXXV THE PROVOST, BALLL1ES, AND COUNCEL OF GLASGOW TO
KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Sotjerajn,
It may pleis your moft Sacred Majeftie : Wee, your Hienes fub-
ieclis, vpone regard we haif nocht onlie to our felfis, bot cheiflie to your
Maiefties honqur and renown, quhilk nocht onlie is famous by your
Hienes Angular virtewis in mynde and a&ioun, bot lykewyfe by the
monumentis of your Hienes realme within Burrowis ; amangis quhilkis
our Metropolitan Kirk, Brig, and River is nocht eftemit the fmalleft, &
inanifeft and knawin to ftrangearis and forein nationis, quha heirtofoir
hes vewit and fein the fame ; Ar compellit to direct this berar, our ordinar
Paftour, our Commiffioner, to deploir and lament the apperand decay
and rueyn thairof, with maift fubmifs hwmill hartis and myndis, to craif
your Maiefteis help and fupplie thairto, without the quhilk (to our grit
greif) thais honorabill monumentis and werkis of this your Hienes
auncient Kingdome will decay, as this our Commiffioner will mak mair
manifeft and knawin to your Maieftie : Maift hwmelie will then intreit
1 This letter was probably written about the beginning of November 1609. Not-
withstanding the wish which Spottiswood here expresses to be relieved of his " insup-
portable burdens," it may be observed, that within two months he accepted a seat on the
Bench as an Extraordinary Lord of Session. See notes to Nos. CXXXIII. and CXXX 1 Y .
The above letter is indorsed, — " Spots. B. of Glasc. anent the Electioune of the Magis-
trates of Glascow, by the P. and B. ; and of the Easteat of the Kirk, quhair he offeres to
diniitt liis Bischoprik."
1309.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 211
your Hienes to pietie the decay of fik magnifique ornamentis, and for
help thairof to grant ws your Hienes fupplie, be fik meanis as your Ma-
ieftie fall think maift readie and convenient, by doing quhairof wee ar
affurit your Hienes fall firft honour God, quhairupone will follow your
Maiefteis honour and praife, and we enforcit to incres our daylie
prayer for your Hienes bliffit eftait heir and eternallie. Leifing farder
to our Commiffioner, with hwmill hartis killing your Maiefteis handis,
and praying God for your Hienes lang and profperous regnne, with
incres of mony kingdomes, wee commit your Maieftie to his bliffit
prote6tioun.
Your Maiefteis maift hwmill fubiectis,
The Protest and Bailleis and Counsell of Glasgu,
be thair commoun Clerk,
A. Heygait.
Glafgu, the xj of Xouember 1609.
To his moft Excellent Maieftie.
CXXVI.— THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO THE EARL OF DUNBAR.
After oure verie hairtlie commendationes to your goode Lord-
ihip, according to ane dire6tioun fend doun frome his Maieftie to the
Archiebifchop of St Androis and Lord of Scone, anent the examinatioun
of Maifter Johnne Fairfoull,1 for praying for the banifheit Brethrene,
thay had the faid Mr Johnne befoir thame the fextene of this inftant,
and at grite lenthe hard him vpoun that mater, and exhibite his depo-
fitions to the Counfell in the afternoone : Maifter Johnne is ordanit to
be fummond to compeir befoir the Counfaill vpoun Thurifday nixt, at
' Mr John Fairfoull appears to have been admitted one of the Ministers of Dunfermline,
as colleague to David Fergusson, in the year 1500 (Booko of the Kirk, vol. ii. p. 704.)
Recording to a subsequent letter, No. CXXIX., he was confined to Dundee, and deprived
of his charge at this time. Notwithstanding the delay referred to in a letter from the
Archbishop of St Andrews, dated 18th April 1010, Fairfoull became Minister of An-
struther Wester in Fife, and died in the year 1025.
212
ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING
[16(i!l.
whiche tyme fuche ordour falbe tane with him for punifheing of that his
errour and offence, as fhall gif vnto his Maieftie fatiffaclioun. Sua re-
commending your goode Lordfhip vntill Godis protectioun, we reft,
Your Lordfhips very affured goode freindis,
Your Lordship sail heirwith ressaue
the copy of his depositionis to be showne
vnto his Maiestie, at your Lordships best
oportunitie, and that your Lordship will
returne vnto ws his Maiesties pleasour
heiranent.
17 November 1609.
Halyrtjdhous.
R. CoKBERXE.
Jo. Pkestoun.
S. T. Hamilton.
Cls. Registri.
To tlie Right noble oure verye honnorable
goode Lord, the Erll of Dunbar, Lord
Heich Thefaurair of Scotland, and of his
Maiefteis moft honnorable Preuey Coun-
fell, etc.
CXXVII.— THE BISHOPS OF BEECHIN AND ORKNEY AND MR PATRICK
LINDESAY TO KING JAMES.
Sir,
May it pleas your moft Excellent Maieftie : The Archbifchops,
Bifchops, and fome few of the Commiffioners of the Generall Affem-
blie, being convened be my letters at Edinburg, the 8 and 9 dayis
of Nouember, I did prefent and reid to them your Maiefteis letter,
the tuo inftru6tiouns for the Catholique Earlls, and the copy of the
Oath to be taken of them ; by all whiche your Maiefteis great wif-
dome, princely and fatherly cair and godly zeall being clearlie mani-
fefted, and your pleafur and directions reuerentlie confidered, we
all, out of the joy of our harts, did pray and praife God for your
Maieftie. And that your Maiefteis feruice might the better be effectu-
ated, it feemed good to ws, that the Bifchop of Brechen and Mr Patrik
Lindefay fould accompany and affift me in taking of the Oathe, and
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 213
difcharging my Inftructions from your Maieftie to thofe Nobill men. We
cam to Stirling the 13 Nouember, wher efter fome conference had
withe the Marques, fpecially about your Maiefteis princely and louing
cair to regane him, about the lawfulnes of the oath (the juft copy wherof
I had fent vnder my hand wreit, to be aduyfed be him four dayes befor
our cuming), about the Pops vfurped authorite, and the moft hellifh
and pernicious doctrine and pra&ife of oequiuocatioun and difpenfation,
he did declair him felf willing and reddy to fuear and fubfcryb the oathe
without sequivocatioun, being ryply advyfed and refolved in confcience
vpon euerie poynt and article thairof. Quhervpon, in prefenc and
audienc of the Earll of Murray, the Lairds of Powmeis and Mufchett,
Maifters Patrik Simfon, Harie Liuifton, Eobert M oore, Malcolme Henrifon,
Minifters ; the Proveft, Bailyeis, and Commiffar of Stirling, and diuers
others (all of them being requyred be ws to that effect, and mofl glaidlie
confenting), we did, in the moft folemne maner we poffible could, efter
the oppen and diftincT; reading of the Oathe, tak him fuorne deeple
thervnto vpon his knees ; and prefentle therefter reading agane euerie
article therof feuerallie, did pofe and adjure him, by the great oath
whiche he maid, that he wes refolued in his confcienc vpon euerie poynt
therof, and did fuear it without any eequivocation or difpenfation.
The famin order was obferued by ws in all things withe the Earll of
Arroll vpon the 1 7 of this Nouember, as your Maieftie may fee be the
double of the oathe fubfcrybed be ther hands, and the witneffis, whiche
alfo, according to your Maiefteis inftructions, I haue fent with this letter.
In all whiche, if ther be any thing ather omitted or vnfkilfulle done by
ws, we humble craue your Maiefteis gratious fauour and pardon.
We did alfo, at the fam tymes, efter the fubfcription of the oath,
impart to the Earlls thofe Inftructions whiche your Maieftie fent be me.
The Marques is very defyrous to fee the articles, concerning which I
did declair your Maiefteis will and judgment to the Commiffioners, and
they ar to come to your Maieftie withe my Lord of Glafgow. When
we wrged and exhorted the Marques that he wold canfe his Lady and
Doghter com to preaching, he anfuered, that his Doghter was of perfect
age, and that he would not preffe them againft ther confcienc. Ane of
his domeftique feruants, Jhone Gordon, being called befor the Prefbi-
214 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
teric of Stirling, lies profeffed that he neuer was nor wilbe of our reli-
gion, and heing requyred be the laid Prefbiterie, efter thre admonitions,
to com to fermon, fpecialle vpon the fyft of Nouember to giue God
thankis as ane good fubject and Chriftian for your Maiefteis bliffed
deliueranc, he refufed and fled the toune vpoun the Setterday efternone
befor the faid day ; for whiche caufes and contempts they excommunicat
him.
The Earll of Arroll, efter his oath and fubfcription, in his priuat con-
ferenc withe ws did atteft God, that he was fo troughlie refolued againft
the Pops vfurpation, that when he did read Bellarmine his fyft book De
Summo Pontijicc, for information of his knowledg and confeiene in that
mater, he dois think all whiche he lies wretin to be hot ane philofophi-
call difcourfe, and not ane theologicall verite ; fpecialle becaufe the Sone
of God him felf, being Lord of Lords, did not in the dayis of his flefche
vfurp nor vfe any fuche power, bot was ane humble and faithfull fubiect,
and commanded to giue to Cuefar qua sunt Ccesaris. He lies alfo aggreed
and promifed to com to fermon ordinarle in the Caftell, for obedienc and
fatiffa6tion to your Maiefte, and information to him felf.
How I difcharged my felf of all other things whiche it pleafed your
Maieftie to committ and concredit to me ; how we haue refolued, and
what is all our humble aduyfe and defyr to your Maieftie concerning
thofe tuo Nobill men in fpeciall, my Lord of Glafgow will declair to
your Maieftie, at his comming. For now, becaufe they haue fuorne and
lubicrybed the Oathe of fidelite, and abiured the Pops power oucr Princes
fo folemnly, they did not fpair to fay opinly befor many, and to ws
cheiffly, that ther is no caufe or fufpicion refting why they fould be
furder trubled and warded, bot only for ther confeiene and religion.
Humble killing your Maiefteis hand, we pray God to bliffe your Highnes
with all bliffings in this world, and the lyfe to come.
Your Maiefteis moft humble and obedient feruantis,
M. A. Brechin.
Ja. B. of Okcads.
Edinburgh, 18 Nour. 1609. Mr Patrik Lindesay.
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 215
Sir, — I cannot bot teftife and commend to your Maiefteis gratious
fauour and confideration Mr Patrik Lindefay, who withe great wifdom is
moft conftant and feruent in your Maiefteis feruice by all other Commif-
iioners, without regard of his trauell and charges.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
CXXVin THE AECHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
May it please your most excellent Majestie :
Efter my returning home, immediatlie I haue had occafione of
practifing your Majefties Royal defignement anent the richt of praefen-
tatione of the kirks of the erected Prselacies be your Majeftie ; quhich is
ane matter of fo great importance, tbat it can not be omitted without
vnfpeakable lofle to your Majefties authoritie heir. Ane of the kirks of
the Pryorie of Sanctandrois, callit the Kirk of the Southferrie,1 in this
Preibitrie, beand proponed to be planted, I vrged your Majefties entres,
and protefted that nothing fould proceede in that matter quhil your
Hienes fould prsefente, according to your Majefties royal priuilege autho-
rised in Parliament, and conteened in the feuerall fignatours of the
erected Prselacies, (except your Hienes qfficiars haue prauaricate?^) Bot
tins intiraatione hath bene litle regairdit be the feditious reliques of
tbat auld ftampe, quhich your Majeftie knawis. And thairfor I wes bold,
this fame day being our Preibitrie day, to command them to defifte, as
being your Hienes Commiffloner, lyk as of old, in tyme of the Pope his
vfurpatione, my Praxleceffours wer Legati Nati ; and becaus poffeffione is
beft heir, I haue proefumed to recommende to your Hienes ane young
1 Southferry, or Ferry Port-on-Craig, formed part of the parish of Leuchars, from
which it was disjoined in 1 603 by the Presbytery and Synod ; and in July 1606, an Act of
Parliament was passed erecting the kirk of " the Eist ferrie of Portincraig" into a sepa-
rate parish, (Acta Pari. Scot., vol. iv. p. 302.) Mr Symeon Durie was then admitted
minister ; but previously to the supposed date of this letter, he had been translated to
the adjoining parish of Forgan or St Fillans. Mr James Jarden was admitted his suc-
<>r at the Southferry, in November 1609. (Eccl. Records, Synod of Fife, p. 205.)
2 The words in this letter printed in italic type are underlined in the original.
216 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1600.
man for quhome I wilbe anfwerable vpon my perril, that your Majeftie,
in figning this fignatour, may enter in poffeffione of your Hienes awne
richt of pnefentatione, quhich is the greatteft comfort that we your
faithfull feruantis haue in this naufrage of the kirk liuings. Thus it
may pleafe your Majeftie figne the fame, as I haue teftified my recom-
mendatione and furetiefchip for the man be my humble fubfcriptione in
the end thairof.
Quhil I am thus doing and continuing in my wonted ficht, I am
auocate be ane letter from the Preefident and Clerk of Regifter, to
giue compt of the vfage of my Benefice, with fuch imputations as I
can hardly digeft, not in refpect of my perfone, bot of ray place, to
the quhich I, the wnworthieft of that nomber, am promovit be your
Hienes. Sire, I remember it is recordit, that in the Pharfalick conflict
Cjefar obferued that Pompeye, be his wntymeous restraint of his foul-
diers in the chock of the battel, in flaying them of thair force and faird,
fo abbaited thair courage, that they wer ane eafie praye to the Csefarians,
fewar in number, and of leffe valour ; and fo did Cjefar fay, that if Pom-
peyis fouldiers had bene fuffered to haue gone fordward with thair firft
impetuofitie, they wer wnrefiftable. Sire, at my home cuinming, I was
doing nothing bot chearing vp your Maiefteis fouldiers to ficht manfull ie
both against the Papists and Puritains. and quhil I am this doing, the
matter of Rental cummis in. I proteft befor God, I count more of your
Hienes feruice, and our inverting in the auncient Apoftolick Difcipline,
than of all the Bifchopricks in Scotland, remembring that the belt
Bifchops hath bene pure and martyrs, and yet haue mainteened vnder
the croffe both thair relligione and authoritie ; albeit that befell not to
them under Conftantine, your Majefties paragon. Sire, let your Hienes
confidder not only quid liceat, sed quid expediat. I am not to exeeme
my felf from tryal, cenfure, and animaduerfione, bot this is not the tyme,
and suche Judges are not honorifick to censure your Majesties first Estait ;
and, Sire, let ather your Hienes in perfone, your Privie Counfel, or Hich
Commiffione, juge ws in all caufesj bot thir Commiffions mak fuch
impreffione in the peopleis hartis of our guiltines and vilitie in your
Majefties eyis, as hes ftained ws in ficht of our ennemies and all indif-
ferents, and giuen to ws and our freinds ane great dafche, fpecially at
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 217
fuch ane tyme as your Hienes mull giue ws countenance, yea, and doe
as ye wer wont to ouersee the greattest malefactours on the Borders, quhen
your Majeftie had feruice. Thus my humble aduyfe is, that lince the
tryal of the eftait of the Benefices, not only belonging to Bifchops bot
alfo to the Dignities and Chap tours, is the fubjecl; of the Prouinciall
Counfels of Sanctandrois and Glafgo, as your Maiefties awne ouuerture
bearis, your Hienes command ws quho ar the Archbifchops in thefe our
Counfells (quhich your Majeftie rememberis wer appointed to be haldin
this nixt fpring), fould tak praecife tryal, not only of the Bifchops, bot
alfo of the haill Chaptours, and fend them to your Majeftie or delyuer
them to the Counfel in ane regifter, as we wilbe anfwerable vpon our allie-
geance, and with all, that we our felfs fall delyuer the rental and eftait of
our benefices in femblable manner cleerly, for your Majefties and Counfels
informatione : And if your Majeftie find that this, quhich is the ordinair
and jufte forme of enquyrie fucceede not, your Hienes knawis to quhome
to tak your felf ; and vpon the omiffione and corruptione of the Eccle-
fiafticks, your Majeftie may tak ordour be your felf, or fuch honorable
deputts as to your Hienes fall feeme moft expedient. As for me, Sire,
I haue enriched my benefice, for of lesse than nothing, Ihaue maid, be my
travel and expenses, ane honorable rent, as fall appeare cleerly to your
Majefty. Howfomeuer, Sire, I muft craue prorogatione to the end of
this feffione of my accompts, fince I haue almoft the thrid of my ten-
nents and takifmen vndcr proces of produdtione and redudtione, quhair-
by for the prefent I can giue no perfyte Rental.
I befeik your Maieftie fend back with diligence your Hienes pleafour
anent thefe matters, till the returne quhairof I think nothing falbe
refolvit, and all your purpofes will hing loufe. So humblie fubmitting
all to your Maiefties wyfe and juft pleafour, I committ your Majefties
facred perfone and eftait to God his teternal bliffing, and fall remaine.1
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
> This letter is not signed by the Archbishop. It is indorsed, — " Bischop of St An-
drois to the Kingis Maiestie. Makes request, 1. For ane presentatione to ane young
man of the South Ferry ; 2. That he suld be exeimed fra giving of ane compt of the
vssage of his Benefice : vithout doat or subscriptione. — Seditions."
2e
218 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
CXXIX.— THE AECHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gracious Soverane,
May it pleas your moft Excellent Maieflie : Quhairas your
Hienes vreit to me laitlie anent the foulifli behaviour of Mr Johnne
Fairfull J in his prayer for thefe juftlie banifched Minifters ; Sir, I pro-
teft befoir God I never kneu it quhill your Maiefties letter informed
me ; and if I hade knauin, I fuld haue takin ordour according to my
place. Alvayis, efter refett of your Maiefteis dire&ione, I convenit him
befoir me kier, in my ludging in tliis toune, being affiftit with my Lord
of Scoune, and vith all chargit befoir me, the Magiftratis, and ane gryt
pairt of the Counfall of the toune ; bot his awin confeffione fhortned
that mater, vhitche I gaue in to the Counfall, fubfcryvit with his awin
hand. Quhairvpon being lifted befoir the Counfall this Thurifday, the
23 of this inftant, he vas convi6t in the vrang vniformlie ; bot in the
maner of his prefent cenfur their vas varietie, the one pairt voting to
his varding in the Blackneffe (of vhitch number I vas firft), the vther,
ane grytar pairt, difcerning him to be confined in the Broughe of Dun-
die. This is the report of my diligence, according to my bound deutie.
The man is becume in your Maiefteis will, vhitche your Maieftie will
pleas declare quhen your Maieftie fall think fitteft.
I vreit to your Maieftie laitlie anent a contraverfie about the placeing
of ane Minifter in a kirk callit the South Ferrie,2 belonging to your
Maiefties prefentatioun, vhitche the Prefbeterie of San<3androis wald fill
with ane feditious man, and vithout your Maiefties licence or nomina-
tioun : Alfua I vas bold to offer my humble advyfe anent your Hienes
Commifiioun for our calumniouflie ailedged dilapidationis, bot haue not
reffavit your Maiefties pleafour back, vhitche to vs all is and falbe ane
irrefragable oracle. I am heir verie weill reflauit, and heard in the
pulpit of Edinburgh, quhair I teatche ordinarlie euerie Sunday, and will
fo contenou, God villing, quhill your Maieftie difcharge me. The uther
comon materia directed to be advyfed, ve haue paffed through, and haue
See note to page 211. * See note to nas-e 21").
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 219
fend our opinionis vith the Archbifchope of Glafgow and my Lord of
Galloway; to quhais fufficiencie referring, I befeche God to blis your
Maieilie vith long health and lyff, and all bliffed profperitie in your
Hienes governement. I remaine,
Your Hienes moft humble and devoted
fervand and oratour,
Sanctandrois.
Edinburgh, 24 November 1609.
To the Kinge his moft Excellent Maieftie.
CXXX.— THE BISHOP OF ROSS TO KING JAMES.
Pleis tour Majestie,
Perfaueing your Highnes intentioun that Ireland fould be plenifhed
with fome Scottifmen, and certaine numbers of acres expreffed to be
difponit vnto them, upon the conditiounis conteinit in the Booke,1 1 have
travellit with fundrie of my acquaintance to accept the lame ; and caufed
this gentilman, Johne Dunbar, to pas till Ireland this laft Sommer, quha
lies travellit throw the haill countrey, and lies confidered all the pairts
of it, and being returnit, hes moued fundrie to be content to go till Ire-
land ; and fpeciallie my fone Mr Jeremie,2 Mr Robert Lindfay, Bernardis
brother,3 and George Smellome. My Wife alfo is willing to be a partner
1 This seems to refer to a tract entitled " Orders and Conditions to be observed by the
Undertakers upon the Distribution and Plantation of the Escheated Lands in Ulster,"
printed in 1608. In Capt. X. Pynnar's official Survey of Ulster, in 1619 (published in
Harris's Hibernica), there is a detailed account of the different allotments of 1000, 1500,
or 2000 acres, with the names of the first patentees : it includes the names of Dunbar,
the Lindsays, and Smelhome, who are mentioned in this letter.
2 Afterwards Sir Jerome Lindesay of Annatland. He was one of the Commissaries of
Edinburgh. He also held the office of Lord Lyon, from 1621 to 1630. — (Lord Lindsay's
" Lives of the Lindsays," vol. i. p. 467.)
3 Bernard Lindesay of Lochhill, formerly one of the King's pages, or " chalmer-child "
to his Majesty. Ho obtained a grant of some property in Leith, connected with a large
'•'lifiee known as " the King's Work."
220 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
with them, and hir twa Brether. And becaus your Maiefties letter will
inak the Deputie and the Commiffioncrs to pas thair fecurities, in all
humilitie I wald crave that your Highnes wald grant your favorable
letter, that they be not fruftrat of their purpofe. I am the mair earefull
of this turne, becaus of my Wifes interefs, quha hes done, and daily does
a very honeft duetie vnto me, as my Lord Glafgow (quha knawes the
fame) can declair vnto your Maieftie. I haue no lands to giue hir,
and thairfore I hope your Highnes will fpair this vpon hir, to be a con-
junct fee, that flio may treit me the better in all tymes to come. Johne
Dunbar can informe your Maieftie quhat is beft to be done, and may
furder this turne. Ceaffing to trouble your Maieftie, prayes God to fend
your Highnes a profperous reigne, and mony gude dayes. Leith, the
27 of November 1609.
Your Maiefteis maift humble fubiec!,
Ross.
To the King his Sacred Maieftie.
CXXXL— THE BISHOPS OF ABIEDEEN AND MURRAY TO KING JAMES.
Pleis youk Sacreit Maiestie,
Vpon our humill fute maid to your Hienes befoir your Maiefteis
removing from the Kingdome of Scotland, anent the oppin prophanyng
of the Sabothe dayis, be the Salmound fifchingis of our Dyoceis, with-
drawing thairby mony perfonis from the public!; wirfchip of God, it
plefit your Hienes to fett doun ane Ac! of Secreit Counfall, inhibiting
all perfonis to prophane the Sabothe dayis, vnder a penaltie ; command-
ing all Shirreffis to exac! the penaltie of all contraueneris. Neuirtheles,
the Shirreffis hes overfene this cair of prophanatioun of the Sabothe
dayis, quhairby mony continewis in thair public! fin and offence. And
albeit diuerfe men of the religioun, fpeciallie in Abirdene, wald glaidlie
decift, yit trewthe it is, that findrie Papeiftis haiffing difpenfatioun fra
the Paip ar ftill refrac!arie, refpec!ing thair awin gayne rather than
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 221
Goddis wirfchip, and all becaus thair is na executioun of your Maiefteis
lawis. And howbeit we our felfis haif bene wrgit be diuerfe well affe6lit
Profeffouris and Minifteris to haif citit thame befoir ws Ecclefiafticallie,
to haif cenfourit thame, yit wald we do no thing thairintill without your
Maiefteis knawin will and contentment. Quhairfoir we maift humelie
intreit your Hienes to direct your Maiefteis miffives to the Schirreffis of
Aberdene, Elgin, Forres, and Innernes, commanding thame to put your
Hienes A6t of Secreit Counfall aganis the prophaneris of the Sabothe
dayis to dew executioun, as thai will anfuer to your Hienes. As lyk wayis
(incace the Schirreffis be negligent yit as of befoir), that we may haif
your Hienes miffive direct alfo to ws, willing ws, gif neid beis, to proceid
aganis the contraveneris Ecclefiafticallie. And becaus the Erll of Enze,
quha fuld be Schiref of ane pairt of that boundis prefentlie may do gud
thairin, it is meit your Maieftie fignifie your Hienes mynd to him be
your Hienes awin word, willing him to fie that the faid Act reflaue the
awin executioun ; fo fall your Hienes greitlie honour God, and gif full
contentment to all religious hartis within this [your] Maiefteis king-
dome ; quhais continewall prayeris and ouris ar and falbe ftill offerrit vp
for the continewall increfs of all gud blifiingis of this lyfe to be multe-
pleit vpon your Maieftie and your Hienes royall pofteritie, and for that
eternall blefs in the lyf to cum.
Your Maiefteis maift humill and obedient feruitouris and fubiectis,
Edinburgh, the xv P. Bischop of Abirdein.
day of December 1609. Al. B. off Mukraye.
To the Kingis moft Sacrede Maieftie.
CXXXIL— ROBERT LORD ROXBURGHE TO KING JAMES.
HlGHE, MlGHTIE, AND DREAD SoVERAYNGE,
It pleifled your moft Sacred Majeftie, be ane lait letter which I
reflaued frome your graceous handis, to fignefie (vpone fome informatioun
222 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1600.
concerning the Kirk of Drumfreis) your Highnes pleffour that I fliould
not oppofe the fentence and clecreit of the Lordis of Seffioun, the which
John Murrey your Majefties fervand wes to infill for, to ftrenthin the
takk let to him of that kirk, whervpone he had ferved inhibitioun. It
wer abfurde and inexcufable boldnes to impefhe your Highneffe momen-
tarie and hard conquilhed leafour frome your Majefties weghtie effavres
withe the whole treuthe, that I may juftlie qualefie for my felf in that
mater, it being a thing vnworthe of your Majefties heiring, albeit to me
of importance : So for all I haue to fay, I humblie crave, at the juftnes
of your Highneffis knowin cenfure vpone vnderftanding of the treuthe,
that ye will creddit (to -I may farther qualefie, if it be your Majefties
pleffour to heir me), that ther is no right that is nor can be had now,
bot that which be your Princlie and vndeferved liberaletie is in my
power. And ther is fuche proceeding accidentes whiche, before the
Lord Maxwole l his heynous offences wes done agaynft your Majefties
authoretie, that tyis me vpone neceffetie to look narrowlie to the eftate
of that errand : Befyd, if that takk alledged fliould ftand in law, in re-
fpecl of the burdings impofed vpone me be the Stipendis defigned to everie
Kirk in the ere&ioun of the Abbacie,2 that preparative might lay vpone
me intollerable burdings, which I am affured the vertew of fo vpright
authoretie as lies ever bene feene to grow withe your Majeftie, will
never lay upone ane loyall and weill meaning fubjecl. Albeit the thing
it felf be of no reckning, yit the confequence tuichis me deephe, I hum-
blie befeache your Majeftie confidder of it, for if it did no more harme
me then the want of it felf, I war vnworthe to braythe if I abode
more then the knowledge of your graceous pleffour that I fhould put
it frome me, who lies made me, with all that I haue, fo abill to
leve. Ther is many things faid concerning the Kirkis of that Ab-
bacie, I beg it of your Highnes to give eare and not truft to I
may be hard, and then when the treuthe is cleered, command at
1 Jolm Lord Maxwell, was forfeited for treason, 24th June 1609. — (Acta Pari. Scot.,
vol. iv. pp. 411, 413.)
' A grant of the Abbacy of Dundrennan to John Murray, " ane of the gromes of his
Majesties bed chamber," was confirmed by an Act of Parliament, 24th June 1609 (Act;\
Pari. Scot., vol. iv. p. 444.)
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 223
your Majefties pleffour, and that ever hes and fhall in this lyffe mill
me and my a&iones. Sua in all humilitie craving pardone for this
prefumptioun, I ceafs, bot fhall ever pray God for your Majefties fafetie
and increfs of happines to I haue lyffe, with all dew refpedt, taking my
leve, I reft,
Your Majefties humble, loyall, and alwayes
obedient fubiect and fervitour,
Eoxburghe.1
CXXXIIL— MR PETER ROLLOCK OF PILTOUN TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratiotjs Soveran,
Sence your Maieftie, out of your Highnes meir favour, far be-
yond ony mereit could have bene in me, hath heirtofore, by my expec-
tatioun, advancit me, moft vnworthie, to findrie and diuerfe degrees of
honor and dignitie in this your Maiefties Kingdome, I could do no lefs
nor, at your Maiefties pleafour, and for obedience of your Maiefties will,
moft willinglie and in all fubje6tione ceafe, firft, from on of them,2 and
then from the whole imploymentis and preferments your Highnes did
beftow vpon me. Yit finding now latelie fince the tyme tbat I only of
all3 am excludit from that place in your Maiefties College of Juftice,
wherinto befor your Sacred Maieftie hath fett me, and hath ferved your
Maieftie tharin in all faythfulnes, and to this day (I prayfe God, as the
world knowis), without any on blamifh ; that it is not furmifit, but
planelie fpoken almoft be all, that it is not without fome great cauis, and
that I haue committed fome fecreit offence againft your Sacred Maies-
tie, for the which I am juftlie thus dejected be that mightie, iuft, and
wyfe King, who, in all his lyf, did nevir deale fo with any on of his Ma-
iefties fubje&is without a weghtie and well fene occafione. In this my
1 Sir Robert Kerr of Cessford was created Lord Roxburghe, about the year 1599, and
Earl of Roxburghe in 1016.
2 As Bishop of Dunkeld : see No. V. 3 See note to page 225.
224 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
miferabill ftate, fuch is my greiff, that I had rather die nor chwfe to leiv :
and if it can not pleas your Sacred Maieflie to cuir my wond, I wifh
that prefentlie my lyff wer at an end. If ony on thing be your Maieftie
could be fayed againft me, then worthie I of ten thowfand deathis. But
this is my only confort, that my confcience beareth witnefs with me,
and there is no flefh can witnefs againft me. May it not pleafe your
ever clement Maieftie, confiddering my prefent miferie, remembring my
bygane fervice, to pitie my gray hairis.' Glaidlie trufting in your High-
nes favour, quhairof no trew fubjecl; diftreffit hath not had experience, I
wold hawe prefentit my felf in your Maiefties prefence, but afhamed to
be fene ather at home or abroad, quhill the expected beamis of your
Highnes countenance in fome meafour brek out on me. I haue im-
ployed my Lord of Dumblane hereby to expone to your Maieftie my
great greiff and miferie. Luiking for the declaratione of your Maiefties
moft gratious will, and wifhing your Highnes (for the which I euir
pray the Almyghtie) a long and happie regne, I, in all humilitie of
mynd, remainis,
Your Sacred Maiefties moft loyall fervand,
Peter Rollok.'
To the King his moft Sacred Majeftie.
1 Mr Peter Rollock of Piltoun passed Advocate before the year 1575. James Paton,
Bishop of Dunkeld, having been deprived of his office, Rollock was appointed his succes-
sor ; and his name occurs as titular Bishop in December 1585. — (Acta Pari. Scot., vol. iii.
p. 373.) On the 19th May 1596, Rollock, by his title of Bishop of Dunkeld, took his
seat as an Extraordinary Lord of Session. He attended King James to England on his
accession to the throne in 1603. In 1606, he resigned his benefice, for which he received
pecuniary compensation, in order that Nicolson might be advanced to the Episcopal dig-
nity. The above letter has no date, but it may be referred to January 1610, when Rollock
was unceremoniously superseded to make room for Spottiswood as an Extraordinary Lord
of Session. But this letter, and the one immediately following, from the Lords of Session,
in Rollock's favour, seem to have had the desired effect, as on the 5th April that year,
the King by letter " restored him to his place Extraordinarie, with special provision that
his admission sail not be a preparative thereafter to establish the fifth Extraordinar Lord
of Session." — (Senators of the College of Justice, p. 237.) He was accordingly readmit-
ted, by his title as Lord Piltoun, 16th May 1610.
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 225
CXXXIV.— THE LORDS OF SESSION TO KING JAMES.
Pleis your Sacrat Maiestie,
Quhairas it pleafit your Sacrat Maieftie to declare all thais places
in Seffioun quliilk wes poffeft be the four Extraordinarie Lordis to be
voyde,1 and to difchairge everie one of thame of all forder priviledge
competent to thame be the fame, as your Hienes warrant fent to us for
that effect dois recorde ; and we haveing in mynde that one of thay
places wes poffeft be Maifter Peter Pollock of Piltoun (the vtheris thre
being now filled according to the command fent frome your Sacrat Ma-
iofiie to ws, quhairunto we moft willinglie in all humble and deutifull
forte obeyit), wald thairfore, if it fo micht ftand with your Maiefties moft
gratious pleafure, in all humble maner recommend to your Maiefties
fauorable confideratioun the afoirfaid Maifter Peter Pollock, laft poffeffour
of one of the faidis placeis ; one, quho haveing fpent the moft of his tyme
in learning, alfueill without, as within your Maiefties kingdomes, and
eoir fence in the attendance in Seffioun, and your Maiefties vther fer-
uiceis, quhom now being of gritter age, we haif fund, and thairof will
geve teftificatioun to your Hienes, to haue caried alwayis him felf in thais
feruices that none wes more fordwart thairin, none more willing to dis-
charge that dewtie to all your Hienes fubiectis, quhilk wes requifite and
expectit frome him ; and with quhom we, for oure awin entrefs, had
futficient contentment and fatiffa6tioun, as quhom of none to oure knaw-
ledge ather iuftlie could or evir did complane: Moft humble defyring
your gratious Maieftie, if he have not fallin in fum vther overficht
1 " Upon the 20th of December 1609, there came a warrant from the King to discharge
the Extraordinarie Lords of the Session upon the sight of his letter, without any cause
declared but his own pleasure ; which was thought verie strange. The Extraordinarie
Lords at this time were these following, the Lord Elphinjtoun, Sir Robert Melvil], the
Pryour of Blantyre, and Mr Peter Rollock, sometyme styled Bishop of Dunkelden. But
it was cleerlie seene in the next moneth what the mater meant ; for the Bishop of Glas-
gow, Mr Johne Spotswood, was placed in Mr Peter Bollock's place, and the rest were
restored to their own places." — (Calderwood's Hist., vol. vii. p. 53.)
2f
226 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
(quhairwith we, for oure felfis, are not acquent), and if fo it micht Hand
with your Maiefties goode will and plefure (quhilk to ws is and ever
falbe the fouerane law, knawing how iuft and lauchfull the famyn ever
hes bene), that your Sacrat Maieftie wald be pleafed to reftore and
admit him to that place agane, quhilk, be your Maiefties bountiefull
penniffioun, he hes poffeft in Seflioun of before, quherin we hope he
falbe fo encouraged to proceid, and go on, in regaird of this, and your
Maiefties monifald vther fauours towards him, that no blemifch falbe fund
quhilk iuftlie may merite the fchairpnes of your Maiefties cenfure. So
wifcheing your Maieftie long lyfe, moft happie and profperous raigne,
we commit your Maieftie to the evirlafting proteclioun of the Mofte
Hegh.
Your Maiefties moft faithful and
obedient fervitouris,
Al. Cancell". I.P.D. A. Drummond.
Jo. PrESTOUN. KlLSAYTH.
SR. Th. HAMILTON. J. COKBURNE.
Maircairny. A. Hamilton.
R. CoKBURNE. QUHITTINGHAM.
A. Hay. Edzell.
L. Craig. Clericus Registri.
TUNGLAND.1
Edinburgh, xi* Jan. 1610.
To the King his moft Sacrat Maieftie.
1 This letter is indorsed " The 15 Sessioneris to his Majestie in favouris of Mr Peter
Rollok." Upon a vacancy in the number of the Extraordinary Lords of Session having
occurred by the death of Lord Blantyre, a letter was addressed to the King by the
Judges, 13th March 1617, reminding his Majesty of the proposed arrangement, in April
1610, at the time of Rollock's restoration, that the first vacancy should not be filled up,
but the number to continue, as formerly, limited to four. — (Melrose Papers, vol. i.
P. 278.)
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 227
CXXXV.— ME PATRICK FORBES OF CORSE TO KING JAMES.
Pleis your Sacred Majestie :
By that whiche your Majefties Secretarie hatlie imparted wnto
me, vnderftanding your Majeftie to be offended with fum of my dealing,
more for the defecl; in forme then matter, I wes thervpoun fteired by
theife to cleare to your Majeftie what I think the Informer hathe in my
matter rather not throwlie knowne then malitiouflie concealed, fo to
recover and retain a place in your Majefties good grace, to whome, nixt
God, I am bothe holden, and ftudie moft cairfullie to approove my
wayes. Being call in thefe pairtes wheir, within the precinct of two
Prefbiteries at leift, twentie and one churches lay vnplaunted, wherby
our ftait wes litle from heathenifme, I began in fimple and privat maner
(neceffitie enforcing it on my confcience) to catechife my owne familie.
Therefter the Churchemen of that province dealing earneftlie with me to
accept of fum publict charge in the miniftrie of the Churche, whiche
vpon divers refpectful confideratiouns I culd not as then yeild to. They
nixt witli all inftance requeifted that at leift, for the good of vthers, I
wold be content to tranfferr my domcftick paines to ane void churche
neir joining to my houfe, wherto having for ane fpace condifcendit, they
efterwards, by their Commiflioners from their Synode directed to me for
that effect, yet more earneftlie intreated that I wold ftil hold on that
courfe whiche (as they judged) had bein in fum degrie fruitfull. Now,
Sire, as this maid my voice to be heard in any publict place, fo all my
vther cariage therin (if ather they did informe who know it, or knew it
who informe) hathe bein fuche, bothe in refpect of the place, ane obfcure
corner, if any in all your Majefties kingdomes, and in refpect of my
quyet maner, fo far from all pretences, as I never opened my mouthe in
any vther pairt (albeit oftener then ons, ather feriouflie intreated or curi-
ouflie tempted), and except ane ordinarie lectioun on the Lord his day,
never medled with any pairt of that calling in privat or publict affem-
blie, as I never imagined the knowledge of my dealing fhuld have gone
fo farr as I now weil perceave (I wil not fay the iuvye, but) the mifcon-
228- ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
ilruing thereof hathe pall, and that (if your Majeftie wer not as ane
angel of God) to overthrow me in your Majeflies favour ; wherin, never-
theless if any approoved Chriflian, let be your Majeftie, had found them
l'elves jufllie offended, what upon requeift I wes moved to do, being
admonifhed, I wes alwayes readie to forbear, fo far have I alwayes bein,
and hope in God ftil to prove, from all buffie or turbulent dealing.
And yet for fuche a one, I am content to be accounted of your Maieltie,
and demained accordinglie, if befoir I hard it from your Majeftie, it wes
ever fignified to me by any that my doing wes in any refpect offenfivc.
So, remitting all to your Majeflies rare wifdome and gratious confidera-
tioun, I pray God giue your Majeftie a long and profperous reigne heir,
and ane eternal with him felfe heirefter.
Your Maiefties humble fubject,
P. Forbes of Corfe.
Edinburgh, 15 Februare 1610.
To the King his facred and moft Excellent Majeftie.
CXXXVI.— THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH, TO KING JAMES.
Please your Majestie,
We having tane notice by your Majeflies Secretarie, of fome
bard information given foorth againfl us, and com'd to your Majeilics
eares, as thought our fpeaches in pulpit had tended in any fort to the
impugning of any of your Majeflies lawfull directions, whilk courfe, as
we have ever bene loath and unwilling to follow : So, leafl we fhuld ly
under the burthing of this fo untrue an report, we ar bold to prefent to
your Highnes, by this our humble letter, the trueth of this fame, having
at greater length imparted to my Lord Secretarie all the circumftances
of that matter. When fignification was given of your Majeflies will and
pleafure, anent a new ceffation and time of vacancie in the Winter Sef-
fion, it was fo miflaken univerfally, that the commoun fort thinking it to
proclame to them libertie and lowfenes, to the whilk they ar fo prone,
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 229
and the Papifts and enemies of God's trueth taking hereof occafion of
infolent fpeaches, as thought incouraged to looke for the returne of their
former fuperftitious doing, we was forced in our fermons as to fett our
felves againft the vanitie of the people, and labour to tak from the ene-
mies this mater of their joy : So to cleir your Majefties honeft and godly
intention being certified by my Lord Chancellor, directing to us the
Baillies of this toun to that effect that there was none other thing meant
be your Hienes but to give relaxation to the Lords of your Majefties
Seffion at that feafon of the year. So that in medling with this earand,
we truft we have fo caried our felves with refpect to your Majefties
honor, that we have miniftrat no juft occafion of offence. And gif the
contrair fhalbe alledged or qualified be any in whatfomever particular
fpeache, we dout not hot our anfwer fhall render contentment. And
we know that your Majeftie have never bene in ufe to condemn
unheard. Whereas your Majeftie lies likewife bene advertifed of fum
unreverent and impertinent fpeaches ufed in publick prayer concerning
your Majeftie by certane of the Brethren of this Prefbyterie, we can
affuir your Majeftie, that to our knowledge and hearing there is no Inch
difordour, whereof gif any fhallbe found culpable, your Majeftie may per-
fuade your felf he fhall not efcape convenient cenfure, as we will be
anfwerable to your Hienes, under whofe wings we enjoy this liberty.
The proofe your Majeftie hes had of our former proceiding, and know-
ledge your Majeftie may tak of our haill cariage in our vocation by per-
fons indifferent, and fuch as dois not hate us, and our miniftry both, we
doubt not will move your Majeftie to fofter fome evil conceit of us, but
in all accufations fallbe caried, leave place to us to anfwer for our felves.
Thus referring to my Lord Secretary a moir fpeciall report, with whome
we have bene plane in every thing, we humblic tak our leave, and com-
mends your Majefties facred perfon and eftait to the bleffing and pro-
tection of the Almighty. Edinburgh, 17 Februar 1610.
Your Maiefteis loving and obedient fubjects,
Jo. Hall.
M. P. Hewatt.
To the King his moft Excellent Majeftie.
230 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
CXXXVII.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
May it pleas your most excellent Majestie :
I can not diffemble the great affured hope I haue of the gud and
fpeedy finall accomplifhment of your Majefties royall and godly defigne-
ments in reftablifhing the Eftate of this befor mifordered Kirk be your
Majefties wife directions, tbat dayly take great increafe of gud fucceffe,
with contentment even of the molt part of the people, quhich hath
moved me to ftay here and to exercife the gift that God lies giwen me
in preaching and attending vpon all counfells and meittings, both eccle-
fiafticall and ciwill. The Hie Commiflions are well and plaufibly accepted
of all, and the Secretare hath contriwed the fame and vther purpofes fit
for our advancement, with authority and wifdome, to our great comfort ;
fo that if one poynt quhich is in head be profecute, I doubt nothing of
greater perfectione than in anies imagination could have been performed
in fo fhort time ; and therfor your Majeftie lies great mater to bliffe
that gud God who is ever your affiftant, and wilbe to the end, in thos
your religious and wife intentions ; and your Majeftie may looke for
vniforme and conftant ferwice in all my brethren the Prelats; quhom
alfo your Majeftie will pleas incowrage, partly be fupporting the necef-
fity of the indigent that lacke moyen, fpecially the Bifhop of Cathnes,
partly quhen places of the Seffion fall vaike, be promoving fome moe to
the fame, quhilk will both repaire the decay of our livings and patrimo-
nies, and procure the dependance of the reft of the miniftrie, who have
their fortunes and eftaits fubject to the pleafure of that Judicatory.
The Secretare hath gotten difclofit to him the arryvall of Mr Andro
Duncan in thire parts, and hath entered in tryall of Mr William Mur-
ray, prefent minifter in Craill :' he will informe your Maieftie more fully
thairanent, albeit the faid Mr William, in my opinion, willbe fund within
1 Duncan, who was admitted Minister of Craill in September 1597, was banished by
King James in 1606. Murray had been appointed his assistant in 1598. He con-
tinued to officiate in the parish as Minister till October 1G24, when lie was deposed —
(Synod of Fife, Abbotsford Club, pp. 100, 204.)
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 231
compas of law, yit it is my humble adwife to your Maieftie that fome con-
nivence falbe towards him for a feafone, that we may have out of him fome
fervice at this great dyet. Your Maieftie knows, for he can doe very well,
and his fway wilbe important. Referring the reft to the fufficiency of
the bearer, 1 befeike God to bliffe your Maieftie with a long and happy
life, with increas of all grace and profperity in your Maiefties royall
government. So I abyde,
Your Maiefties moft humblo fervant and devoted orator,
Sanctandkois.
Edr 18 Febr 1610.
CXXXXVIII.— THE BISHOP OF MURRAY TO KING JAMES.
Sir,
Pleas your moft Excellent Maiefty : The greit and continuing
peace off this your Hienes kyngdome, vnder your Maiefteis moft reli-
gious and happie governement, giffis ws all nocht only full contentment,
bot lykvyis plentifull occafioun to multiply thankifgitnng to God for
your Maiefteis prefervatioun. Specialy quheras thir pairtis of this your
Hienes kyngdome being befoir nocht fo fully reducit to futche obedience
as now thai ar, be your Hienes greit care and providence, we redouble
our prayars to God for your Hienes long and profperous ftate. Thair
ar very few off any rank bot ar both peaceable and lowers of peace,
amongft quhom this gentleman (albeit nocht of the religioun), the Laird
off Geycht,1 hes fchewin him felff a greit furderar and favorer of your
Maiefteis peace in the boundis of his duelling and refidence ; efpecially
being employed be ane letter of myne in your Maiefteis name to fetle
ane prefent apperance off ane very apperand break, quhilk he did ac-
compleifche and bring to a perfyt fetling. This hes movit me to giff
1 " George Gordon, fear of Gicht," son of William Gordon of Gieht, " and his ladye,"
are included in the list of Excommunicated Papists, 23d December 1G04. — (Kirk Session
Records of Aberdeen, Spalding Club, p. 44.)
282 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
teftiinonie be my awin experience off his peaceable inelinatioun. I hoip
nochttheles your Hienes will nocbt fufpect my profeffioun for that I am
movit to teftifie the trewth of fum Papifts quhilkis I perceawe ar nocht
vniuerfaly of ane corrupt difpofitioun. The gentleman is difeafed, and
fubieot to divers infirmiteis, quhilkis he can nocht gett remedied heir,
and vald humbly craiff your Hienes licence to feik his health in fum
vther cuntrey. If your Maiefty be fo myndit, it apperis to be more
convenient the famin be granted be your Hienes awin Royall power,
then be the Counfell of this your Hienes kyngdome, and that for pre-
venting of a dangerous preparative, quhilk mycht be induced in refpect
of his prefent eftate ; and quhovbeit thair is no greit mater off feir or
fufpitioun off his traffiquing, being hitherto fo quyetly difpofed, yit your
Maielteis awin commandement will fo abandoun him, that he will
nocht perrell your Maiefteis favour nor abufe your Hienes benefite for
all his valiant. Thus moft humbly craiffing your Maiefteis pardoun for
this my boldnes, my humble and earnift prayars daylie continewit for
your Hienes long, happie, and maift profperous ftate, I befeik God;
the fountane of all grace and bleffing, to blefs your Hienes heir and
eternally.
Your Hienes moft affectionat and moft luffing fervitour,
Alexander B. off Mcrraye.
Elgene, the 20 day off Februar 1610.
To his moft Excellent Maieftye.
CXXXIX.— THE BISHOP OF DUNKELD TO KING JAMES.
Most Gracious and Sacreid Souerane,
Sence it lies bein your Maiefteis moft royall cair to reftoir the
decayit benefices in Scotland, and to help thair loffis with thair awin
patrimony, as any pairt thairof fuld fall in your Maiefteis hands, quhilk
is the onlye and fitteft way to do the fame ; and now the Kirk of Cra-
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 233
mound fallin in your Maiefteis hands, I culd not of dewtie omitt to
remember your Maieftie that that kirk may be reftorit agane to the
Bifchoprick of Dunkeld, fra quhilk the fame wes difmemberit. And
quhair it may be allegit that Megle wes gevin in recompence to Dun-
keld for Cramound : Pleis your Maieftie, the treuth is, that my Lord
Balmerinoch obtenit firft ane penfioun of four hundreth pundes out of
Dunkeld, and not fatiffeit thairwith, obtenit firft takkes of the Kirk of
Auchterhous, and nixt the erectioun thairof ; and efter baith thir, obtenit
lang takkes of the Kirk of Cramound,1 and nixt alfo the erectioun thair-
of, fum four or fyve yeires befoir the annexing of Megle to Dunkeld, itt
being a comoun kirk thairof of befoir, .and poffeffit be Mr James Nicol-
foun, perfone of the fame, and fwa it culd not be gevin in recompance,
Megle being euir a pairt of the patrimony of Dunkeld, and Cramound
obtenit be him a lang tyme of befoir. Itt is mervellous, as ernift as
your Maieftie hes bene and is to help the decayit partis of our delapidat
benefices, fa as ernift men hes bene and ar, be policie to difmember and
owirthraw the fame. Befeikand your Maieftie to haue a regaird thair-
vnto, and to the helping of this mater, quhilk being your Maiefteis will
and plefour, may be eafelie, by your Maiefteis directioun, helpit at this
tyme in better meafour nor can be heirefter : referring alwayes the fame
to the greitnes of your Maiefteis wifdome and confideratioun, out of the
quhilk I dout not bot your Maiefteis cair will fwa help this benefice,
that ane honeft man may leive and ferue your Maieftie thairin. Swa
humlie craving your Maieftie to excuis my eirniftnes, quhairvnto the
oportunitie of tyme movis me, for give thir our lofiis be not repairit in
your Maiefteis tyme, quhat falbe our hope heirefter ? I humlie recom-
mend your Maieftie to the Almichtie, quha mot euir grant your Maiel-
tie a long, a happie, and a profperous regnne.
Your Maiefteis moft humble oratour,
Dunkeld.
Edr 22 FebriJ 1610.
To his moft Sacreid Maieftie.
1 See the former letter on this subject, No. CXVIII.
2g
234 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610-
CXL.—ME ALEXANDER CAMPBELL AND MR JOHN YOUNG,
MINISTERS, TO KrNG JAMES.
[The following letter is indorsed, — " The Supplicatioun of the Ministers of Irwin that
ar committed." — Campbell was minister of Ardrossan and Stevenston, and Young
minister of Beith, within the Presbytery of Irvine. On the 31st of January 1C10,
the Privy Council ordered Mr John Young, Mr Alexander Campbell, and other
three ministers in that Presbytery, to compear on the 15th of February, to answer
for inter-communing with " Johnne Campbell, alias Fader Chrisostome, ane knowne
trafficquing priest, returning laitlie within this realme, of purpois and intentioun
to haif sedueeit simple and ignorant people frome acknowledging of the treuth,
and to hafe maid schipwrak of the faith, &c." — (New Stat. Account, Ayrshire,
p. 594.) The result appears to have been the temporary confinement of Young
and Campbell.]
Most Gracious Souerane,
We haue our onlie recourfe to your Maieftie, in this our diftreflit
eftait : Your Hienes Privie Counfall of this Kingdome, haweing commit-
ted ws for the reffetting of one Jhone Campbell, a Capuchin Frier, a
fault nocht to be excufit, becaus doune aganes your Hienes lawes, yit
be ws doune onlie of naturall affectioun, he being brother-german to
the one of ws, and to the other, brother-in-law, and upon no contempt
(as God falbe mercifull to ws) of your Maieftie, nor for ony euill inten-
tioune, for quiche we ar nocht fufpectit of any. We humblie begge
pardoun of your Gracious Majeftie, protefting that no thing lies come
to ws, in our lyfis more grevoufe, then thus to haue incurrit your Hienes
juft offence : And gif it fall pleafe your Hienes, quhois mercifull incli-
natioun towartis all your Majefties fubjectis, and fpecially men of our
calling, is more than notour, to accepte ws at this tyme in fawour, and
take pitie on our miferable cace, haweing our familieis and flokis now caft
lowfe in our defaulteis : We do faithfullie promeis all humble fervice
and obedience to your Majeftie, and a moir circumfpect walking heirefter,
fo as we fall newir, be God his helpe, incurre your Hienes indignatioun
after this, for ony caufe quhatfoewir : for quiche we truft your Majefties
fervant and Counfellour the Archbifchop of Glafgow vill gif his word
and writt, quiche we falbe lothe to breake or falfifie : And fo vpon our
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 235
kneis humblie requeifling your Hienes gracious pardon, we pray God
Almichttie to giwe your Maieftie mony dayes and yeiris, in all happi-
nes and profperitie.
Your Majefties puire and humble oratours,
Mr Alexander Campbell.
Mr Johnne Young.
CXLI.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW TO KING JAMES.
Sire,
Pleas your Maieftie, I wrote be the pacquet to my Lord Dum-
bar of the refolutioun we had takin in your Hienes affairis, and the hopis
we confavit of a gud fucceffe in the Affemblie. The prefent difpofitioun
of our Miniftrie is fuche as it maid ws erneft to haif the dyet preventit,
and to defyr the fam mycht hold the eight of May ; for your Maieftie
knowis tham a peple fubiect to change, and caryit eafilie with the wind
of every report. They haif at this tym ane ftrong apprehenfioun of the
difcharge of Prefbiteries, and for the Handing thairof, in ony tolerable
forte, wil refufe no conditiounis ; fo wer it gud to vfe the opportunitie to
cutt tham fchort of thair power, and leaue tham a bare name, quhiche
for the prefent may pleafe, but in a litle tym fal evanifche. As twiching
the dyet, we expect to vnderftand your Hienes plefure fchortly, and
qhether your Maieftie tak courfe to prevent or hold the firft appoint-
ment, we fal not fail to vfe al diligence in preparing men for that
meting.
Xow, Sir, I haif ben this day advertifit of your Hienes purpofe
anent the Marquis of Huntley, and becaufe I wald be fory to fe any
thing done that might bred impediment to your Maiefties effairis, I wil
oraif your Hienes pardon to inftft in the contrair of his inlargement for
this tym. Suppofe he lies fubfcryvit the Articles prefentit from your
Maieftie vnto him, it is a thing not vnderftand either in the Kirk or in
the Countrey, and continewing excommunicat, if he falbe permittit to go
to his home, it will not fail to bred grit offenfe. The Minifteris of thofe
23G ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
partis that haif euer ben beft affe6iit in your Hienes fervice falbe gritlie
difheartit, and otheris our enemyis be glaid of the occafioun to fay, that
nothing hes ben meanit in effect againft Papiftis. Befydis, thofe North
countreyis ar fo ftil inclynit, as it is thocht his prefence is ynoughe to
fchake Religioun thair, vnleffe his return be with gud cautiounis, and
the fam knowen and vnderftand to al. Thairfore I do humbly intreat
your Maieftie, for the regard of your Hienes particular fervice, to
qhiche it is reafon any fubie&is eafe or contentment fuld gif place, and
that we haif not new difficulties bred ws, quhen we ar vpon the finifch-
ing of thingis, that it may pleife your Maieftie to continew this his
inlargement vnto the Affemblie, in qhiche he may be abfolvit from
excommunicatioun, and ordour takin be your Hienes commandement
for the quyetnes and peace of Minifteris in thofe partis. Thus far I am
bold, and now kiffing your Maiefties handis, I reft
Your Maiefties humble and obedient fervitour,
Glasgow.
Glafgo, the 12 of Marche 1G10.
CXLII KING JAMES THE SIXTH TO THE PRESBYTERY OF
TURREFF.
James R.
Truftie and weilbeloued, We greit you weill. Albeit We, juftlie
fearing the difordouris that might aryfe in the Generall Affemblye
appoynted to hold at St Androis, the day of May nixt, by
reafone of the differences in the Churche for mater of difcipline, did, by
Our letters, publifhed in February laft, defert the faid meiting; and
fpeciallye declaired, that it wes not Our mynd to appointe any new
Affemblye, before We wer fully affured of the peaceable inclinatioun of
fuche of the Miniftrie who fhould meit and conveyne thereat : Yit
having receaved of lait dyuers aduerteifmentis of great confufioun
aryfing in the Churche by reafone of the lous and vnfetled governament
which is therein, and being entraited by findrie of Our goode fubje&is
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 237
for licence to fome generall meiting of the Churche, wherein hoip is
gevin Ws, that fome good cours, by commoun confent, fhould be taken for
redrefs of all mifordouris, and this diuifioun of myndes that hes fo long
continowed among the Minifteris (to the great fcandall of their profef-
fioun), fhould at laft ceis and be vtterly extinguifhed, We haue bene
pleafed to yeild to there requeiftis, and granted liberty for a Generall
Affemblye to be halden at Glafgow the viijth day of June nixt : And
therefore We will and requyre you to mak choife of the moil wyfe,
difcreit, and peceable difpofed Minifteris among you, to meit and con-
veyne the faidis day and place, inftrucled with fufficient commiffioun from
the reft (as in other Affemblyes you haue bene accuftumat), and have
cair that they come fpecially advyfed thereto ; bothe anent the excom-
municat Earles, what ordour falbe taken with them for there fatiffac-
tioun of the Churche ; anent the lait Ereclionis, to communicat to Our
Commiffioneris the eftait of euerye churche within any of the famyn,
the mantenance alloucd thereto ; ane overtour for fuppleing the churches
which are not fufficientlie provydit ; and what the heft courfe to be taken
for the ready payment of the Minifteris, fo as they be not diftracled
from there chairge, and forced to attend the law for difcuffing fufpen-
fionis, and fuche lyke queftionis anyfing therevpoun : In which poynts
^\ c haue had many grevous complaintis from dyuers of the Miniftrie
there, and vnderftoode Our good purpois tuiching them and there man-
tenance to bene wonderfully croffit. And that they be ready to giue
there beft opinioun in all the former poyntis, and in everye thing els
that falbe demandit of them for the goode and peace of the Churche.
And becaus by letter We haue acquaynted the Bifhope of your Diocye
of Our purpois heirin, and fent vnto him a fpeciall note of the names of
fuche as We defyre to be at the faid meiting, it is Our pleafour that
you conforme your felf thereto, and mak choife of the perfones that We
take to be fitteft for geving advyfe in all maters, wherein you fall do Ws
acceptable fervice, and fo bids you fairweill. From Our Court at
Whitehall, the laft of Marche 1610.
To Our truftie and weillbeloued the Minifteris
of the Prefbiterve of Turreff.
238 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
CXLIII.— MISSIVE FROM KING JAMES THE SIXTH.
James R.
Truftie and well beloved, AVe greet you well. Albeit We, juftly
tearing tlie diforders that migbt arife in the General Affembly appointed
to be holden at San6t Andrewes, the day of May next, be reafon of
the differences now in the Church for matters of discipline, did be Onr
Letters, publifhed in Februar laft, defert the faid meeting ; and fpecialy
declared, that it was not Our mind to appoint any new Affembly,
before We were well affured of the peaceable inclination of thefe of the
Miniflry who fhould meet and conveen therat : Yet having been lately
advertifed of great confufion arifeing in the Church, by reafon of the
lool'e and unfettled government which is therein, and being intreated be
fundry of Our good fubjects, Bifhops, Minifters, and others, for licence
to fome general meeting of the Church, wherein hope is givin Us, that
fome good courfe by common confent fhall be taken for redrefs of all
unorders, and the divifion of minds that has fo long continued among
the Miniftry, to the great fcandal of their profeffion, fhould ceafe and be
extinguifhed, We have been pleafed to yield to their requiefts, and
granted liberty for a General Affembly to be holden at Glafgow, the
8th day of June next : And, therefore, We will and require you to
make choife of the moft wife, difcreet, and peaceably difpofed Minifters
among you, to meet and conveen the faid day and place, inftru&ed with
fufficient commiffioun from the reft, as in other Affemblies you have
been accuftomed ; and to advife anent the excommunicated Erles, what
order fhall be taken with tbem for their fatiffa&ion of the Church ;
anent the late Erections, to communicat to Our Commiffioners the eftate
of every church within any of the fame, the maintainance allowed there-
to ; an overture for fupplying the churches, which are not fufneiently
1 It Will be observed, that this letter, which Caldcnvood has preserved, is nearly ver-
batim with the preceding ; similar missives, with such occasional variations as seemed to
be requisite, having been sent to the various Presbyteries. Xos. CXLIV. and CXLV.
exhibit Royal missives of the same tenor, addressed to individuals.
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS, 239
provyded ; and what is the beft courfe to be taken for the ready pay-
ment of the Minifters, fo as they be not diftracted from their charge,
and forced to attend the Law for difcuffing of fufpenfions, and fuch like
queftions arifeing thereupon : in which point We have had many griev-
ous complaints from diverfe of the Minifters there, and underftood Our
good purpofe touching them and their maintainance to have been
wonderfully croffed ; and that they be ready to give their beft opinion
in all the former points, and in every thing elfe that fhall be demanded
of them for the good peace of the Church. And becaus by Our Letters
we have particularly acquainted the Archbifhop of Sanct Andrews1 of
Our purpofe herein, and fent unto him a fpeciall note of the names of
fuch as We defire to be at Our faid meeting ; it is Our pleafure, that
you conform yourfelves thereto, and make choice of the perfons that We
take to be fitteft for giving advice in all matters ; wherein ye fhall doe
Us acceptable fervice. We bid you farewell.
From Our Court at Whitehall, the
firft of Aprile 1610.
CXLIV.— KING JAMES THE SIXTH TO SIR JOHN SKENE OF
CURRIEHILL, CLERK REGISTER.
James E.
Truftie and weilbeloved Counfellour, We greite yow weill.
Whereas We have appointed a meiting of the Church of that King-
dome to be at Our cittie of Glafgow, the viijth of Junij nixt : In regarde
therefore of your knowne love and affection to the weill and peace of
the Church, and of the manie good proofs We have had of your for-
wardnes in Our fervice alwayes, We have made particular choice of
yow, whofe prefence wilbe verie requifitt at that meiting ; not doubting
but vpoun this advertifement both yow will addreffe your felf thither,
and doe no leffe good offices thereat, then We doe expect for at your
1 See the letter, No. CU., from the Archbishop of St Andrews to the Presbytery of
Chirnesyde.
240 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
hands: of which We will ever be myndfull, And fo bids yow farewell.
From Our Court at Whitehall, the 2 of Aprile 1610.
To Oure truftie and wcilbeloued Coun-
fellour, Sir Johne Skene of Curriehill
knight, Clerk of Regifler.
CXLV.— KING JAMES THE SIXTH TO MR GEOEGE LINDSAY, MINISTER.
James R.
Truftie and weilbeloued, We greit you weill. The manie proofes
We haue heirtofore found of your forduardnes in Our fervice, and of
your earneft defyre of the weill of that Churche, bathe moved Ws to
mak particular choife of you to be prefent at Our citie of Glafgow,
the eight of Junij nixt, to confult, advyfe, and conclude with the
Fatheris of the Churche, and belt affected of the Miniftrie, vpoun the
fitteft groundis for fetling of peace and Concorde, and repreffing of the
grouthe and incres of the common enemye who daylie taketb advantage
vpoun this diuifioun among your felfes, and for eftabliihing of fucbe
further ordour, and repreffing of all vice, finne, and enormitie, as at
your meiting you fall think fitt and expedient for God's glorie, the weill
of the Churche, Our fervice, and conforte of all trew profeffouris.
Agane which tyme, perfuading Our felfe of your prefence and forduard
concurrance to fo goode and godlie a worke, all frivolous excuifes fett
a parte, as you may fully expect Our fpeciall remembrance of your
paines therein, We bid you fairweill. From Our Court at Whitehall,
the 2 of Aprile 1610.
To Our truftie and weilbeloued Mr
George Lindfay,1 Minifter.
1 Probably a clerical error for Mr Patrick Lindsay, Minister of St Tigeans, who was
present at the Assembly. He was promoted to the See of Ross in 1613.
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 241
CXLVL— THE AECHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS TO KING JAMES.
Most graciouse and sacred Soveraigne,
We refavit your Maiefties letter be the Lord Secretarie, conten-
ing fum dire&iounis for the better proceding of your Hienes fervice
committed vnto ws. In al the particularis we haif agreit to conform
our felfis, and tak fuche courfe as your Maieftie may haif ful content-
ment, and at laft fie the Governement eftablifchit, qhiche hes ben of
vour Highnes longe defyrit : And becaufe his Lordfhip wes erneft with
ws that we fuld refolue, according to your Maiefties plefure, vpon a
prefent accepting of the fervice vpon ws, and mak no longer delayis,
quhairvnto he gaif ws many incouragementis, and very effe&uall per-
fwafiounis, as we muft confeffe that we wer gritlie movit thairby. So
we advyfit, to gif al of ws wnder our handis affurance to your Maieftie of
our refolutioun that way, and how we wilbe fo far from detrecling the
fervice, as we fal not ceafe til be Godis helpe the famin be brocht to ane
gud and happie end. Of the meanis bow to bring this about, ar our
prefent deliberatiouns : we fal tak, be Godis helpe, the moft fafe and
fure way, and qhat we vndertak, we falbe anfwerable to your Maieftie
for performance. We haif al our Minifteris, even fuche as wer moft
refractarie, at the point of toleratioun : thay wil fuffer thingis to proced
and be quyet, becaufe thai can no longer ftryve; but qhen thai l'al
efpy the fruttis of a better governement we do not doubt thai wilbe
better myndit. Sum particularis we haif committit to the Secretaries
remembrance, and haif fet tham down in a note befydis, quhairof we
humblie intreat your Maiefties anfwer, with the firft occafioun : And
now, ceafing to be trublefom, we befeche God Almychtie to multiply
your Maiefties yeiris, with al increafe of happines.
Your Maiefties moft bounden and ever devoted fervantis,
M. A. Brechin.
A. B. Cathnes3.
Sanctandrois,
Jo. Lismoren.
B. Galloway.
Glasgow.
Dumblanen.
Ja. B. of Orcads.
DuNKELD.
2h
242 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
CXLVIL— THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT OF HIGH COMMISSION IN
THE PROVINCE OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Sacred Soverane,
May it pleafe your moft Excellent Maieftie. Efter that we had
receaved informatioun of your Majefteis pleafure that we fould accept
vpon ws to ferue your Maieftie in this High and Soverane Commiffioun,1
we war verie glaid, bothe that your Maieftie continues your great and
vnceffant cair for the weill and peace of the Kirk, and Commonweill of
this your Maiefteis ancient kingdome ; as alfo, that in the multitude of
wyfe and godly men of bothe Eftaittis your Hienes hath maid choice of
ws moft vnfitt, and fo afcribe this honour to your Maiefteis vndeferved
fauour, and nocht to our mereit, which fhall encurage ws, and eache of ws,
according to the place that God and your Maieftie hath granted ws, to
kythe faithfull and trew fervandis to your Maieftie in this imployment,
which we hope fhall prove moft neceffarie and profitable for the guid of
this Church and Commonwealth : And as we haue accepted this day
the feruice, we humblie befeeche your Maieftie, oure Souerane Lord and
leadar, bothe to acquent ws'with the particular feruices wherin your
Maieftie will imploy ws, and ficlyik to fett doun fuch reules and limitis
to our feruice as your Maieftie, out of your incomparabill wifdome, fhall
think fitteft. We thank God for this motioun he hath put in your
Maiefteis royall hart, and fhall behave our felffes fo in executioun thairof,
1 The Commission given under the Great Seal to the Archbishops of St Andrews and
Glasgow, to hold Courts of High Commission, within their respective Dioceses, was pub-
lished at the Cross of Edinburgh, in March 1610. The Commission is dated lath February
1610, and is contained in Calderwood's History, vol. vii. p. 57, and in the Booke of
the Universall Kirk, vol. iii. p. 1078.
It may be added, that the letters of acceptance from the Archbishop of Glasgow and
the Members of his Diocese are not known to be preserved. The previous letter, No.
CXLVL, without date, is in Spottiswood's hand. Wodrow supposed it might have been
written in January 1610 : it evidently belongs to this period, and seems to have had
reference either to the High Commission, or to the Conference (which Calderwood says
lasted for three days) with the Earl of Dunbar, " contriving how to order matters," at the
meeting of the General Assembly, in June following.
1610.]
TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
243
as we hope to pleis God and your Maieftie. Thus, efter humill thanks
to your Maieftie for refpecling bothe this cuntrie and ws, we befeeche
God to blis your Maieftie with a long and profperous regne.
Your Maiefteis moft humill and obedient fubje&is and fervandis,
M. Jo. MlCHELSONE.
Maister Jhone Stra-
CHIN.
Mr P. Lindesaye.
An. Leiche.
Sanctandrois.
Al. B. off Murraye.
A. B. Cathness.
Ja. B. of Orcads.
R. Lyndesay.
D. Scone.
D. Carnegy Kynnard.
Jo. Prestoen.
S. T. Hamilton.
Dauid Ramsay, Bal-
main.
Montrose.
Klngorne.
M. A. Brechin.
M. Arthour Fethie.
Mr Henrie Philpe.
Mr Robert Wilkie.
Mr James Martine.
Mr Dauid Monypennie.
Mr Eobert Hovye.
J. Wemis, Commiffar of
St Androis.
St Androis, the tenth of Aprile 1610.
To the King his Moft Excellent Majeftie.
CXLVIII.— THE MEMBERS OF THE SAME COURT OF HIGH COMMIS-
SION TO KING JAMES.
Sacred Soueraigne,
May it pleas your moft Excellent Majeftie, having conveened
this day for accepting your Majefties Hiche Commiffione, it hath bene
proponed to ws anent your Majefties pleafour tuiching the Marquis of
Huntley, we have thocht meit moft humblie to interpone our advyfe to
your Majeftie, that, fince the Marquis hath fo oft contravened his awne
fubferiptions, he be not licenfed be your Majeftie to returne to his awne
houffes : the eyes of all the favourers of the Gofpel ar vpon the event of
244 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
this matter, and ar to conceave ather hope or miftruft accordinglie as
they find the Marquis vfed : And we efteeme that quhofoevir advvl'c
your Maieftie to difmiffe him fo foone ar not fo provident for your
Maiefties honour and gude eftimatione among the beft of your Majefties
people as befeemethe, nether ar they cairfull to mainteene our credit e
quho ar burdened with your Majefties fervice. Finallie, if your Majeftie
hath onie fervice of importance to accomplifche this Summer, ther is
nothing fo prejudicial to the fame, nather anie thing that will give
greatter occafione to the feditious to fpread thair mifconftructions, than
the Marquis his liberatione from his prefent confyning.
Thair is ane Supplicatione given to ws be the Burgh of Dundie for
appoynting one Mr William Wedderburne ' to be thair paftour ; to the
quhilk we have condifcendit for the man his fpeciall gude graces, pro-
vyding your Majefties Royal confent be obtenit thairto. We ar to
intreat your Majeftie for the fame, and we falbe anfuerable for taking
cautione and furetie of him for his conformitie and obedience in fuche
fort as your Majeftie fall ather prafcryve, or as in our beft judgementtis
falbe thocht fureft. Thus luking for your Majefties moft gratious anfuer
with diligence, and awaiting for your Majefties forder directions, we be-
feik God that your Majeftie long and happielie may reigne over ws,
to God his glorie, and your Majefties immortall honour and falvatione.
Your Majefties moft humble and devoted
fervands and oratours,
Sanctandrois.
Al. B. off Murraye.
A. B. Cathness. M. A. Brechin.
M. Robert Hovte. Ja. B. of Orcads.
M. P. Lindesay.
Sanctandrois, 10 Apryl 1610.
To the King his moft Excellent Majeftie.
1 Regent in St Salvator's College, St Andrews : See No. CLV.
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 245
CXLIX.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Sacked Souuerain,
May it pleafe your moft Excellent Maieftie : I can not diffem-
ble the gude appeirance of profperous faeces that your Maiefties fervices
ar to haue in the gouernement Ecclefiaftick and reformatione thairof;
for the wyfe fort ar readdie to embrace your Maiefties determinatione
fimplie. The great multitude of the Minifterie ar defyrous that Prefbi-
tries fall ftand, bot directed and gouerned be the Bifchops, and fo wald
referre great matters to be done onlie be the confent and authoritie of
the Bifchops. The few number of the contradicents to Epifcopal jurif-
di&ione ar content to be filent ; fo that your Maieftie neidis not to enter
in onie difhonorable conditions. Yea, I quho fitt heir in the place of
feditione and contradi&ione, haue perfyte obedience to all my directions ;
and therfor I am bold humblie to advyfe your Maieftie, that in the
defignatione of place of this enfewing Affemblie your Maieftie mak
choife ather of the place appoynted be the laft Affemblie,1 quhilk will
help the formalitie of it, or than of Dundie, quhair your Maieftie knawis
your awne Xortherne men may haue beft commoditie to repaire. And
albeit your Maiefties princelie liberalise may fupplie diftance of place
be fourniture to thofe that travell ; yet, Sire, quhy fould your Maieftie
direct that meeting to ane corner of the countrey ? quhilk both will breed
neidles mifeafe to the pure Minifters, and minifter occafione of thinking
that it is done for feare, and fo will make it want that lufter and beautie
quhiche ane thing fo lawful and eafie merits to haue. And fo do I
think of the Prefident of that Affemblie, that your Maieftie will need
no policie to bring in ane vther than him quhome your Maieftie alreddie
hes prseferred thairto, it being the Primate his proper office vnder your
1 In the General Assembly at Linlithgow, 2Gth July 1608, the next Assembly had been
appointed to be held at Edinburgh, in May 1609 ; but was afterwards prorogued till May
1610, and the place of meeting changed to St Andrews. — (Booke of the Kirk, vol. iii.
pp. 1077, 1083.) On the 14th February 1610, however, this meeting in May was dis-
charged by a proclamation : see Calderwood's History, vol. vii. p. 55.
240 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
Maieflie, quhiche your Maieftie will find eafilie effectuated, for none will
come thair of purpos to ferve your Maieftie bot the fame will giue firft
pruif in that cace ; and if it be requifite, your Maieftie will find, that I
being put in leat with onie of the Bifchops, the Ministerie fall inclyne
quhairthey ar bounden of deutie. This I fpeak, Sire, not for prseroga-
tiue of my perfone, bot of my place,' quhiche as it bearis greateft burden,
fo I hope your Maieftie will fee it honored, for the better enabling the
poffeflbur to bear out all your Maiefties fervices competent thairto. Bot
this I nioft humblie remitte to your Maiefties wyfe confideratione and
gude pleafoure, quhilk falbe to me as ane facred oracle.
At my defyre the Lords and wthers of the Hie Commiffione con-
veened heir in San&androis, and affifted me with fo great alacritie and
folemnitie, promeiffing continuance in that fervice, as I am not able to
expreffe, quhiche the vther miffiue directed from themfelfs will fignifie
to your Maieftie. Of the Minifters of Edinburgh, onlie Maifter Peter
Hewat wes prefent. Maifter Patrik Galloway refufed to come, and
flayed alfo Maifter Jlione Hall. Your Maieftie muft kenne, yet ouerfee
him quhill thofe turnes be endit.
Maifter Jhone Fairfoul his entrie to the minifterie of Anftruther in
Maifter Robert Durie his rowme, is delayed vpon ane petitione of the
people and Prefbitrie to me, that Maifter Jhone Dyckes2 may be
placed thairin, erneftlie requeifting me to be fupplicant to your
Maieftie for him, quho lies alfo fend to me findrie meffages and pro-
meiffes of conformitie and obedience to your Maiefties injunctions. So
for fatiffa6tione of thair importunitie I delayit quhil your Maieftie i'ould
fignifie your awne pleafour, quhich I moft humblie befeech your Maieftie
to doe, and fo to relieue me of that burden. Quhil your Maieftie fend
back your pleafour and prsecife direclione I will get no reft, nather that
matter be fetled ; for as for me, I will not prsefume to mak intres for
1 This claim of preference, on the part of Gladstanes, as Primate, to act as Mode-
rator of the approaching Assembly, was unsuccessful.
3 The proposed arrangement did not take place at this time, as Fairfoull became
Minister of Anstruther. Mr John Dykes had been admitted " fellow-labourer" with
Mr James Melville, Minister of Kilrennie, in 1596, and was translated to Newburn, in
October 1604. Ten years later, Dykes was again brought to Kilrennie, when Mr Ephrahn
Melvill became his successor at Newburn.
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 247
onie quha lies ginen your Maieftie juft caus of offence. I haue dif-
chargit Maifter Ephraim Meluil from preaching, as your Maieftie
directed ; bot fenfyne the parochiners haue giuen in ane petitione to
me and the Prefbitrie for having him to be thair ordinair paftour,
quhich, notwithftanding the confent of the Prefbitrie, I refufed quhil
your Maieftie declair your will thairanent ; for it is verie offenfme that
the people wantis preaching. If your Maieftie wald tak this mids, to
giue permiffione to Maifter Jhone Dyckes to preach in Kilrinnie, quhilk
is ane famous congregatione, and to Maifter Ephraim to fupplie Maifter
Jhone his rowme, quhich is moft obfcure and quyet, it wald fofter the
faid Mr Jhone his begun refipifcence, and interteene fome peece of senlu-
latione among themfelfs.
Thair is no obedience anent the Minifters thair gownes and caf-
facques ; therfor it will pleafe your Maieftie to fend down ane new
directione to me thairanent, commanding them to conforme themfelfs
to the patterne of thofe quhich wee the Bifchops haue alreddie refauit ;
for I tak that thofe of the Bifchops and of the Minifters in forme
ar both one, and the difference fould be in the ftuff and facing of
them. Siclyk it will pleafe your Maieftie to giue me directione anent
the Proveft of this Citie his fcarlet gowne, with licence to the Deane
of Gild and Bailzies to weare blak gownes.
I moft humblie crave your Maiefties pardon for impefching your
Maiefties gritter affaires fo boldlie ; bot I hope your Maiefties gratious
inclinatione will not offend at ane Seruand quho, in fidelitie and affec-
tione, falbe inferiour to none, albeit in gifts or merite moft wnworthie of
your Maiefties favour. I hope your Maieftie wilbe fo gratious as to
commande the Secretair to difpatche anfuer to thofe affaires with con-
venient diligence. Thus I befeik God to bleffe your Maieftie with all
grace and profperitie euer. I remaine,
Your Maiefties moft bumble fervand and devoted oratour
Sanctandrois.
Sanctand., 18 Apryle 1610.
To the Kinge his moft Excellent Maieftie.
248 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
CL — KING JAMES THE SIXTH TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY AT GLASGOW.
James R.
Right reverend Fatheris in God, right truftye and right weil-
beloued Coufeingis, Counfellouris, and otheris, Our truftye and loveing
fubiedtis now conveyned in this prefent Affemblye, We greitt yon weill.
If the moft fharpe cenfure wer takin of every ones particular affe&ioun to
the Religion profeffed, We may very juftlye boafte, without affeclatioun,
of Our evir continewit conftancye (praifed be God), notwithftandeing of
bothe the allurementis, as alfo the threatningis of the adverfarye, and of
the mifbehaviour, yea, the proude and often treaffonabill contemptis of
foine of Our fubieclis of this fame profeffioun. So that none vnto whome
ather Our bypaft lyife hathe bein knowne, or to whome Our prefent
actionis ar notour, hot they without doubt reft fullye perfuadeit heirof,
fince We haif now oppinlye declared Ourfelfs to be the principall oppo-
fite on Earthe to the Antichriftian enemye, aganis whome to Our laft
breathe, without refpect of hazard, we do intend to mainteyne and
defend the treuth profeffed. And as it hathe pleafed God in his mercye
to appoynte Ws to be the nuriffather of his Churche heir on earthe,
within Our dominions, fo do We intend evir to be moft cairfull for
fetting fordward of all fuch thingis whiche may advance his glorye, and
breid quyetnes and peace in the Churche, vnto whiche nothing hathe
bein fo greitt an enemye as the want of ordour and governament, with-
out whiche no bodye or ftate, either Ecclefiaftick or Civill, can fubfifte.
And however the fingularitye of fome did for a certaine fpace mainteyne
ather by wilfulnes or ignorance a fort of beadles governament, yit ere
longe it did kyithe what inconvenience and hairme might enfew to the
Churche and advancement of the Gofpell by any longer continuance
thereof; which moved Ws endureing Our ftay there in Our owne per-
foun to tak fo greitt paynes for finding remeid to this, whiche other-
wayes had tryed, fo vncurable a canker being permitted to haif had any
further progrefs ; and therevpoun at that tyme wifheing to do thinges
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. . 249
rather by confent then abfolutelye out of Our royall power and autho-
ritye, (whiche wes alfo very lauchfull, and granted vnto Ws by God
him felf,) We therevpoun not only affifted and countenanced fundrye
Affemblyes of that Churche by Our prefence, bot hathe caufed otheris
to be conveyned fince Our depairture from thenfe ; haveing to Our greitt
coaftes and chairges procuired alfo maintenance, fufficient in fome ref-
fonabill fqrte, for the Fatheris of the Churche, and haif directed ordour
to be takin for the Plantatioun of all churches voyde; as lyikwyis, in
fo far as the Ecclefiaftick jurifdidtioun by feculare perfonis wes encroached
vpoun, We haif putt alfo remeid thereto : So as We did fullye hoipe,
that befoir this tyme, the Churche therevpoun, apprehending and per-
faiveing of errouris paft, in fuffering that anarchie amonges thame to
keip fo long continuance, fuld haif refolued and concluided, and there-
with haif become fuitouris and folicitouris vnto Ws, for eftableifhing of
that Governament and rewll, whiche is moft fitting and allowed of in
former tymes in the primitive Churche ; fo that thinges fuld not be left
ftill in vncertaintye, by reffoun of the divifioun and diftractioun of myndes
among your felfis, by whiche, to your awne knowledge, bothe the com-
moun enemye hath encreaflit, and fin andwickednes remaynethvnpunifhed.
Bot whither the defaulte be in the Fatheris of the Churche, there vnwil-
lingnes, or vnworthienes, to do and performe what in dewtye belongeth
vnto thame ; or in the factious fingularitye of otheris of the meaner ranke,
(who doe perhappis prefume of there greitter credite by keiping thinges
in a confufion :) and We being not fullye acquaynted with the trew caus,
and yit in Oar dewtye to Our God, as being his Leiutennant heir, holding
Our felfis iuftlye bounde not to fuffer this forte of lingering, in a mater
of fuche moment, haif therevpoun thoght expedient to call this prefent
Affemblye, not fo muche for neceffitye as that any thing is to be moved,
whervnto your confent is much requifite, bot that Our trew affedtioun
to Godis glorye, and advancement thereof!, and to the peace and weill of
the Churche, being declaired and maniefefted, you may trye the more
inexcuifable, for not vrgeing that goode to the Churche, whiche We do
intend for it without requyreing your confentis, if We find a flow con-
currance on your pairte : And yit hoipeing that your forwardnes will
remove all opinioun, whiche may be conceaved ather of your vnwiUingnes,
2i
250 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
or oppofitioun to Our lb godlye intentionis : and haveing referred the
particular iinparteing of Our furder pleafour and mynde heirin to Our
right truftye and right welbcloued Coufeing and Counfellour the Erie of
Dombar, and the right reverend Father Our right truftye Counfellour
the Archbifhope of St Androis, (both of whome We haif directed as Our
Commiffioners to this prefent Affemblye, and whome We will you to
credite and trufte,) and intending vpoun there reportis to ta^k fpeciall
notice of every ones affe&ioun and forwardnes in this fervice, and there-
vpoun to acknowledge and remember thame heirafter, as any fitt occa-
fioun for there goode fall occurre : We comitt you and your prefent
adtioun, withe the goode fuccefs of the bufynes, to Godis goode guyde-
ing ; and bids all of you right hairtlye fairweill. From Our Courte at
Thetforde, tlie eight of May 1610.
To the Right Reverend Fatheris in God,
Our right truftie and weilbeloued, and
to Our right truftye and weilbeloued
coufeingis, counfellours, and otheris, Our
truftye and weilbeloued the Prelattis,
Noblemen, and otheris Our loving fubje&is
aliweill Miniftrie as Lawitye, prefentlye
mett and conveyned in this Affemblye.
CLL— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO THE PRESBYTERY OF
CHIRNESYDE.
Grace be multiplied unto you.
Beloved Brethren,
After my heartie commendations in the Lord, I have received a
Letter from the Kings Majeftie anent the direction of Commiffioners to
the approaching Generall Affembly. And to the effect ye may under-
ftand my Commiffion to you for that effecl, and the King's Majeftiee
pleafure, 1 thought good, as having credit of his Majeftie in thefe
matters, to fhow to your Moderator the authentick letter that bus
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 251
proceeded from his Majeflies hand, and to fend to you the note of the
perfons, whom his Majeftie has thought fitteft for that work. This I
befeech you, fince our Prefbytries in Fife, and, as I hear, the Prefbytrie
of Edinburgh hath agreed to the King's defire, that ye will not fail to
fend a free voluntary Comrniffion with thefe Brethren, who have alio
received their feveral Miffives from the King's Majeftie, that ye feem not
to be Angular, and refraclorie to reafonable petitions. I hope, that this
my counfel fhall be well accepted of you : and fince fuddane and willfull
conclufions haue wrought fuch bitter effects, I hope, ye will not provock
the King's Majeftie to wrath, without any neceffary occafion. Thus I
befeek God to blefs you all with the fpirit of truth and love to the end.
Your loving and afiured brother,
Sasct Andrews.
Edinburgh, the 28 of May 1610.
To our Truftie and weil beloved the Moderator
and Brethren of the Prefbyterie of Chirnfyde.
CLIL— THE BISHOP OF GALLOWAY TO KING JAMES.
Most sacred Soweran :
May it pleis your Maieftie. For helpe of my Bifchoprie, fo
dilapidat by the deid of wmquhill Bifchope Gordoun,1 that it can nocht
be ane fufficient or honeft mentinance to any of that Eftait, your Henes
hathe bein gratiuflie plefit to difpone to me the Abbacie of Glenluice.
Your Majefties gift now being paft the Gryt Seall, and I being to fuit
1 Bishop Alexander Gordon, second son of John Master of Huntley, by Jane, natural
daughter of James the Fourth, was successively Bishop of the Isles (1553 — 1558) and of
Galloway (1558 — 15G0.) Ho joined the Reformers in 15G0, and retained his titles and
the temporalities of his benefice, but was prohibited by the Assembly from exercising any
ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Before his death, in 1576, he made a resignation of his bene-
fice in favour of his son, John Gordon, who was then in France, pursuing his studies.
252 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
for lettres conforme wpon my gift, I find your Henes letter alledgit in
my contrar, willing my Lord Cancellar to contenow that procefs, and
fuffer no thing be done that micht preiudge Do6tor Gordoun,1 to futche
tyme as your Maiefties wil and plefor was knawin, and fum middis
takine be your Henes betwixt the Doctor and me. At the hering, Sir,
of this letter, I was not only willing that procefs fould ceifs, to futche
tyme your Henes acquentit my Lord Cancellar with your Maiefties
farther plefor, bot alfo, if it war your Henes will, fimpille to renunce my
entres and clame to that lewing ; for all that I inioy is not only your
Maiefties frie gift, bot in my prefarment alfo at the firft, I, by any of our
Eftait, haid experience of your Henes ondefarwit fawor. Only this, Sir,
of all wthar helpis for that Bifchoprie, this is moft conwenient and
proper, and if fo it pleis your Maieftie, without wrang done to any
perfone, your Henes may eftablifche this helpe ; bot this I remit fimpille
to your Maieftie, wyfer in it than I can be. I wil humble intreat your
Maieftie to pardone me in ane thing, quhilk is to cleir my felf of fum
imputationis and alledgit onhoneft dealing wpon my pairt be Doctor
Gordoun to your Henes. If his informatione be trewth, than lat me
loife, and that juftlie, your Majefties fawor, quhilk ane thowfand tymis
I prefar to any commoditie warldlie ; bot honeft men wil not alledge in
men thair abfence quhat thay ar nocht habil to qualefie, and can nocht
in thair prefence affirme, bay ontrewthe to mowe your Henes againft any
your Majefties affectionat ferwitouris, quha prefcrris your Henes wil to
thair awin lyfe. Quhat this meritis your Maieftie better knawis than I.
If fo it pleis your Henes, in regaird now of my place in your Maiefties
faruice, I wifs the Doctor fould keipe hime within termis of law, fpeciale
in his letteris to the Lordis of Seffione ; alwayis quhair the queftione is
of or for gaine, hairdlie can fum doe this, bot if it haid nocht beine to
haif efchewit your Henes iuft offence, efalie I could haif amendit this.
Thus, excufing my prefumptione in the oppening of my greif to your
' Dr John Gordon was the son of the Bishop of Galloway, who is mentioned at the
beginning of this letter. He is best known as Dean of Salisbury : See the following
letter, No. CLIV. He became titular Abbot of Glenluco (Vallis Crucis) in Galloway,
on the death of his brother Lawrence, in whose favour that Abbacy had been erected
into a temporality in 1602.
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 253
Sacred Maieftie, attending the declaratione of your Henes wil quhat I
fal doe in this particular, I pray God frome my hairt, blifs your Maieftie
with ane lang and profperus reigne, in healthe, peace, and walthe, all
your Henes enemeis being maid as duft onder your Maiefties feit.
Your Henes moil humble ferwitor and hairtly orator,
B. Galloway.
Edinburche, the 1 of June 1610.
To my moft gratius and dreid Soweran,
the King his moft excellent Majeftie.
CLIIL— THE BISHOP OF THE ISLES, AND OTHER MINISTERS, TO
KING JAMES.
Most gracious Soveraigne :
Giff we had words to expreffe the heartie and humbill affec-
tioune of oure heartis towards your Majeftie, we fould think ourfelves
happie, at leift in this, that your Hienes wold then underftand our
thankfull acknowledgement of your Majefties favours, and the earneft
defyre we have to ferve your Hienes after our meine poflibiliteis in all
that ether naturall fubjectioune or our particuler calling doeth requyre ;
Quhairunto many refpects oblige us, but cheifflie your Majefties love
and watchfull care over the eftate of this Churche, which begins in fome
fort to feill the harm of her awin differences, and ere it be long fhall, by
your Hienes wife and gracious procurement, injoy (our hope is great)
ane happie peace and quyetnes. Quhat ordour, quhat comely and
calme proceiding, hes bein in this Synod, we remit to your Majefties
Commiffioner his relatioun. This farre only, Sir, of ourfelffs. We have
not deceived your Hienefs expectatioun, and to the end of our lyffis, be
His grace, fhall ever be fund afore uthers in obedience, bothe by word
and example. Your Majefties defigne being (as it is) for policie and
gude ordour in the Kirk, he is miferable and foolifche that withftands.
254 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
We find the fruits of it, and cannot forbeare to praife God for him
qnhom your Majcftie lies trufted with this fervice amongll us.1 Uthers,
we truft, by our experience, fhall lay afyde all fcrupulous feares, and be
drawne to the willing obedience of your Hienes commandements. Sum
particulars we have committed to the care of the Ryght Reverend our
Moderatour,2 namelie, anent the Abbot of New Abbey3 his returne, and
the libertie that uther Papifts begin to tak in this Kingdome, the incon-
venient of the erections and patronages daylie difponit to the wrak of
your Majefties Crowne and Kirk, and ane remedy for thir Advocations,
thefe are now fo frequently granted, not only in the cafes we formerlie
meinit, but in the admiffion of Minifters to Kirks, and everie uther
poynt of Discipline. In all the quhilk we humblie befeik your Majeftie,
give credite to his Lordfhip from us, after the humble reprefentment of
our fervice, with our continuall prayers for your Hienes long and prof-
peroufe reignc. We ceafe.
Your Majefties moft humble fubjeclis,
Mr Robert Scott. Patrik Sharpe. An. Isles.
Mr Alex.". Thomesone. Mr Jhone Bel, Minr J. Hay, Ranfrow.
Mr Johne Blakbiirn, at Glafgow. Mr Johnn Bell,
Cardrofs. Mr James Hammilton. Minr at Cadder.
To his moft Sacred Maieftie.
CLIV.— DR JOHN GORDON, DEAN OF SALISBURY, TO KING JAMES.
To the King his most gracious Maiestie.
Pleafe your Gracious Maieftie : That John Sharpe, Mr of
Artes, hath bene thefe five yeares, in this countrye, a preaching Minifter,
wherein he hath behaued himfelfe very well, and is now School Mr in
1 The Earl of Dunbar, his Majesty's Commissioner. • Archbishop Spottiswood.
5 Gilbert Brown, Abbot of New Abbey, or Sweet Heart (Dulcis Cordis), near Dum-
fries, was liberated from his confinement, in 1C08. He afterwards left Scotland, aud died
at Paris, 14th May 1612.
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 255
our Clofe of Salifbery, where alfo he doeth preach : And if your Majeflie
be remembred, he did prefente an Oration and fome verfes vnto your
Maieftie, the laft time your Maieftie was at Salifbery,1 who hath no
hope of preferment, vnles yt be by your princelye fauor and gracious
helpe. And becaus one of the Prebendes there would beftow his
daughter on him, if your Maieftie would be pleafed to give him the
vacation of his prebende : So humbly e befeeching your Maieftie to
further fuch a good worcke, I pray God to bleffe your Maieftie with all
maner of bleffings, fpirituall and temporall.
Your Gratious Maiefties moft humble, obedient,
and faithfull fervant,
Jo. Gordon, Dec. Sarum.
To the Kinges moft Excellent Maieftie.
CLY.-TUE RECTOR, PROYOST, AND MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSITY
OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Pleis yocr Maiestie :
Thair is ane privie miffive indire&lie purchaft of your Maieftie
repugnant to our ancient Fundatioun, in fauoris of ane privie perfone,
Maifter James Schevez, to reffaue him Regent in our College of SancV
faluator, in the place of ane Maifter William Wedderburne, as vacand
be his provifioun to ane Kirk, or quhen it fall happin to vaik.3 Quhair-
1 This letter has no date. King James visited Salisbury on several occasions between
1603 and 1615, but no accounts of his "progress" have been preserved.
2 John Gordon (see note 1, page 252), of Baliol College, Oxford, was created D.D.
13th August 1605, " because he was to dispute before the King his kinsman." — (Wood's
Fasti Oxon. by Bliss, vol. i. p. 311.) During his long residence in France, he was one
of the gentlemen of the bedchamber to Charles IX., Henry III. and I\r. ; and when
fifty-eight years of age, the King called him to England, and to the ministry. He was
promoted to the Deanery of Salisbury in 1603-4, and was the author of various works,
chiefly addressed to King James. — (Nichols's Progresses of King James, vol. i. p. 51 1 .)
He died 3d September 1619, YEtat. 75, and was buried in the Cathedral. — (Le Neve's
Fasti Anglicani, p. 264.)
s As one of the Ministers of Dundee : See Nos. CXLVIII and CLX1.
256 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
vponn the purchafer of this letter, and his moyaneris, hes procnrit am-
Act of Counfall in his fauoris indire6tlie by our knawlege, we nevir being
hard nor callit, ordaining letters to be direct vpoun your Maieftics
miffive letter, charging ws, the Rector, Proveft, and Maifteris of the
Collegis and Vniverfitie, to admit him thairto within fex dayis, vndir
the pane of rebellioun, and thairvpoun letters ar direct, and we chargit :
Quhilk forme is verie vncouth and ftrange to ws, nevir being hard nor
accuftumat of befoir, tending altogither to the everting of our Funda-
tiones, quhilk we haue hithertils inviolablie obferuit in ele&ioun of our
Maifteris, and doubts not your Maieftie, of your royall and princelie
clemencie, is evir myndit to mantayn the famyn for the honour and
advancement of our ftudeis and guid letters. And feing our ancient
lovabill Fundatiounes and Privilegis ftandis not lauchfullie tane away,
and that we haue evir bein reddie and ar yit reddie to ferve your Maief-
tie, in all dwtie and humilitie, we maift humlie intreat your Maieftie to
allow of our ancient Fundatiounes concerning the electioun of our Maif-
teris, and fuffir the famyn to be obferuit be ws ; and to that eifect to
direct your Maiefteis letters to your Maiefteis Secreit Counfall heir, and
to ws, for our warrand to obferve our ancient Fundatiounes and prive-
legis thairof in the electioun of our Maifteris, and that with fua guidlie
diligence as we incur na domage thairanent in the mean tyme. Thus
maift humlie killing your Maiefteis moift facred hands, wined evir your
Maiefteis maift happie and profperous reigne, with ane long and bliffed
lyf, and eternall felicitie.
Your Maiefteis moft humill and obedient
fubiectis and daylie oratoris,
Sanctandrois, this
22 Auguft [1610].
Mr James Martine, Rector.
M. Patrik Malvile. Mr Robert Wilkie.
Mr William Vedderburn. M. Robert Hovye.
Mr George Martine. Mr Dauid Monypennie.
Mr Ja. Gleg. Mr Jhone Jonston.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
1610.] "TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 257
CLVL— DAME MARGARET SETOUN, LADY PAISLEY, TO THE
QUEEN'S MAJESTY.
Maie it please yocr most Gracious Maiestie:
Thefe 4 yeares by paft I haue bene fubiect to a vehement payne,
aryfing of diftillations and humors in my head, vith a continual tuitheach
breading me fie torment, as fcarce haue I half an hours releas be nyght
nor be day, a thing too veel knovin to as many as knovis me and
hants my company ; and notvithftanding, to agrauate my pane, I am
called and fumonded by the Churche to compeir, and attend on the
Prelbiteries and vther dyetts, upon quhat refpects I knou not, for I
nevir haue bene found repyning nor difobedient to the leaft of his Ma-
iefties lauis. In refpect of my heauy and greuous difeas, it is impoffible
to me at this tynie to keip thefe dyetts, vherfore I moft humbly befeech
your Hignes to be a meanis at the King's Maiefties hands that he vilbe
graciouflie pleafed to vret a letter to the Churche and Prefbiterie of
Air, that during the tyme of my difeafe they do not proceid in aney
cenfure agayns me : for hou fone my health fhal permit, I flial, Goduil-
ling, fatiffie them vith al reafon. I hop his Maieflie, vho hath aluayes
had a gracious regarde to me and myne, vil not think me vnuorthie of
this fauor in this my extremitie of fiknes. Thus crauing pardon for my
importunitie, I tak my leaue in al humilitie, and prayes the Eternel to
preferue your Maieflie, as my bound duetie is euer continuing.
Your Sacred Maiefties moft humble and
obedient fubiect and feruant,
Margaret Setoun.1
Monkton, 1 September [1610].
To the Queenis moft Excellent Maieflie.
1 Margaret, only daughter of George sixth Earl of Setoun, and wife of Lord Claud
Hamilton, Commendator of Paisley, third son of James Duke of Chattelherault. Their
eldest son, James Hamilton, during his Father's life, was raised to the Peerage, in 1603,
M Baron, and three, years later as Earl of Abercorn.
2 K
258 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
CLVII.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Sacred Souuerain,
May it pleafe your moft Excellent Majeftie : The berar heirof,
Mr Dauid Lyndefay, Perfon of Laftalrig, hauing laitlie fhawne liim fell
to me verrie willing and fordward in advancing your Majefties fervice,
and being one of the Minifters of my Dyocie ; I could not bot geving
teftimonie to the veritie, recommend him to your Majefties wyfe con-
fideratione, fince, particularly during my late abode in Edinburgh, he
kythed his great defyre of the aduancement of our Eftait, and earneftnes
againft the opponents, if ony had bene ; Quhairfor I am bold to humblie
befeik your moft Gratious Majeftie to favorablie inclyne your Majefties
eare to his juft defyres, to the effect he may be animated to profecutv
his gude beginnings, to your Majefties great contentment, and fortber-
ance of me, according to his power, in your Majefties fervice, for I
affure your Majeftie he is populair both in Leith and Edinburghe. Tims
I pray the Almichtie to continowe his bleffings, fpirituall and temporall,
vpon your Majefties facred perfone and ftate, to His glorie, and weill of
your Majefties loving and obedient fubjects.
Your Majefties humble feruitour,
Sanctandrois.
From the Kirk of Edzel,
12 September 1610.
To the King his moft Excellent Majeftie.
CLVIII — THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KrNG JAMES.
Most Gratious Souuerain,
May it pleafe your moft Excellent Maieftie : Quhairas my Sone
bath bene a ftudent in Diuinitie at Cambridge this yeir, and be reafon
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 259
of the plague thair hes bene debarred for a fpace thairfra, I haue taken
boldnes to fend bim back, that if the feiknes continowe in Cambridge he
may goe touards Oxford.1 I hope your Maieftie fall within few yeirs
find him ane weil inclyned and qualified fervand to your Maieftie ;
quhairfor, my dear Souuerain, pleafe your Maieftie to honour him with
ane kiffe of your Majefties facred hand, and refave fra him fome Me-
moires2 quhich I am bold to prefente to your Maieftie tuiching your
Maiefties fervice. I hope your Maieftie will pervfe the fame, quhen your
Maieftie fall think fitted, and fend back your Maiefties gude pleafour as
and quhen beft fall pleafe your Maieftie. Thus I befeik God to bleffe
your Maieftie with all peace and profperitie for euer.
Your Maiefties moft humble fervand and deuoted oratour,
Sanctandrois.
Sanctandrois, 17 Octob. 1610.
To the King his moft Excellent Maieftie.
CLIX.
MEMOIRES TO THE KING HIS SACRED MALESTIE.
1. Since it hath pleafed your Maieftie to appoint not onlie for
the Bifchops, bot alfo the remanent Cleargie, ane habite diftinguifhed
from that of wthers Eftaits, I am to regrait that your Maieftie is not
1 Alexander Gladstanes completed his course of philosophy in St Salvator's College,
St Andrews, and obtained the degree of A. M. in July 1608. His name does not occur
in the Fasti Oxonienses, and it is not improbable he may have returned to Cambridge to
prosecute his theological studies. Through his father's influence he became Archdeacon and
one of the Ministers of St Andrews. He afterwards obtained the degree of D.D. At the
Glasgow Assembly, in 1638, Dr Gladstanes was one of the Episcopalian Ministers who
were formally deposed : having previously been convicted of notorious drunkenness and
profanity. — (Baillie's Letters and Journals, vol. i. pp. 149, 151.) He died in 1641.
2 See the following No., CLIX.
260 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
obeyed, and tberfor to requeift your Maieftie to direct me to tak ordour
thairanent both with Bifchops, of quhome fome neuer tuke the habite,
bot goe on the verie ftreet of Edinburgh as laicks, and with the reft of
the Minifters of the kingdome, quhois gownes I think fould in fcheap be
lyke ours, except the fluff, face, and tippet. So pleafe your Maieftie, be
fpecial, and I wilbe anfwerable for obedience of the famin.
2, Capitaine Thomas Tyrie hath bene verrie inftant with me to have
conference for his refolutione in relligione. I directed him to fome
learned and weiladvyfed Minifters, quho hare reported to me that he
feemis rather to intend delay than aefald refolutione. So may it pleafe
your Maieftie to command me, be your Maiefties warrand in wreit, to
appoint to him ane day for his final refolutione, or than his pairting off
the cuntrey, and withall to giue ordour and directione to your Hienes
Privie Counfel to this effect.
3. Sir Jhone Ogilvie hes giuen his Supplicatione once or twyfe to
your Maiefties Hie Commifiione for his refaving in the boffome of the
Kirk, quhich we euer have delayed, in the meantyme directing fome
Minifters to conferre with him, to quhome he hath given reafonabh
fatiffactione ; and laitlie he hath given ane humble Supplicatione to me
and the Dyocefian Synode of that pairt of my Dyocie benorth Taye,
holden in Abirbrothok the laft Tuefday of September (the frequencie
and honorable vfage quhairof I wifhe that wthers fould report, and not
I, for I think the lyk lies not bene feene fen the Relligione come in
Scotland). Bot thair it was enacted be my directione, that nothing
fould be done concerning him, quhil firft your Maiefties gratious pleafour
wer knowne. Thair wes fome dealing for his compofitione and fatiffac-
tione to your Maiefties Thefaurer. I will humblie befeik your Maieftie,
fince to my knawlege the gentleman is weilaffected to liue as ane peace-
able fubject, and to conforme himfelf both in relligione and manners to
your Maiefties lawes, that your Maieftie will give ordour and royal
directione how he falbe vfed; that my fimplicitie and zeale to re&ve
penitent finners mak me not to difpleafe your Maieftie, quhome to
pleafe, nixt God, is my felicitie, not of fear, but for loue and con-
fidence ; and if your Maieftie wilbe enclyned to referre this whole
matter to me, I wilbe anfwerable ather for ane gude fubject of him, or
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 261
than for taking ordour exemplairlie with him to your Maiefties con-
tentement.
4. The Laird of Edzel younger hath given in to me and the forefaid
Synode ane mofl humble fupplicatione for accepting of his repentance
and relaxing him fra the fentence of excommunicatione ; hot that matter
alfo is referred to your Maiefties gratious pleafour, for fince heir, prayfed
be God, Ecclesia et Respublica est eadem numero ; quhair I haue power,
none falbe membrum Ecclesice quha is not membrum Reipublicm, and your
Maiefties acknowledged fubje6L Yet thus I prefumed that two fould
be directed to the Earle of Craufurd, and two to the Laird of Edzel, for
mediatione, if it fal pleafe your Maieftie to fpair his lyfe, quhich is in
your Maielties reuerence, for that vnhappie flauchter.
5. The Dyocefian Synode of Fyfe, and remanent Kirks of my Dyocie
betuix Tay and Forth, hath bene holden heir in your Maiefties citie,
quhair ther wes fome oppofitione maid in the beginning be Mr Jhone
Malcolme, and fome of the auld Melvinian bruide1 that remains heir;
bot I reprelfed them be authoritie and reafon, to the great contentment
of all your Maiefties gude and faythfull fubie&s, that wer prefent in
great nomber; fua, that therafter I keiped that Affemblie with great
peace and obedience and reuerence to me, fo reftis onlie the Synode of
my Dyocie befouth Forth, quhich I haue indicted in Hadingtoun vpon
the firft day of November.2
6. At the forefaid Synode of Fyfe, ane fupplicatione wes given in be
Maifter James Meluil his parochiners, creaving of the Synode and me,
that we fould interpone our fupplicatione to your Maieftie for his refti-
tutione to his place.3 As for me, I will not advyfe your Maieftie anie
1 The meeting was held at St Andrews on the 9th of October 1610. Calderwood lias
preserved an account of the proceedings of that Synod, and the opposition made by
John Malcolm, Minister of Perth, and some other Ministers, which excited the wrath of
the Archbishop.
2 The Archbishop's letter, dated the 3d October 1610, to the Presbytery of Hadding-
ton, appointing the Diocesian Synod to convene in their town on the 1st of November, is
inserted in Calderwood's History, vol. vii. p. 124.
3 Melvill was Minister of Kilrenny. After the Hampton Conference, in September
1606, he was not allowed to return to Scotland, but was confined to the town of New-
castle-upon-Tyne. He died on the 19th January 1614.
262 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610-
thing in that matter, becaus I knaw not qnhat is the man his humour
as yet ; but rather wifhe that yer [ere] onie of fuch men got libertie, our
turncs tuke fetling a quhyle: Always I referre this to your Maiefties
vncomparable wifdome.
7. I hope your Maieftie will confidder, that as your Maieftie hes giuen
the Hie Commiflione to your Maiefties two Archbifchops, in all matters
of fclaunder, fo in fpecial the adulterers fall wnder the compas thairof;
and we being in the rowme quhairin your Maieftie hes placed ws, may
be als anfwerable for thefe penulties that ar exacted of them as onie
vther, fua ather fall we delyver the famin to my Lord Thefaurer, or to
the Checker, as your Maieftie fall appoint. I haue feene the ordour
taking with fuch given to ane number of fcoffers in the cuntrey, quho
never gaue onie accompts to your Maiefties Thefaurer nor Checker
thairof, and if it end in ane monopole, your Maieftie will never reape
commoditie of the famin.1
17th October 1610.
CLX.— THE BISHOP OF DUNKELD TO KING JAMES.
Moist Gkatious Soverane,
Pleis your Majeftie, at the Vifitatioune of the Kirk of Dolor, ane
kirk within my Diocie, I find it is ane kirk of Sanclcolme, and is fet in
penfioune to Johnne Steill, the rentis quhairof ar maift rigorouflie vptakin
be him ; quha be na meanis will grant to give ony part thairof to the
Preachear of Godis word, fwa that he is compellit to leave the forfaid
Kirk, and the people fall fall in ignorance, throu wanting of the preach-
ing of Godis word, except your Majeftie put remeid thairto : Albeit of
all equitie the paftour of the faid Kirk fould be fufteinit upoune the
fruitis of the faid Kirk, it being moift certane that the faid Kirk, in the
1 [Indorsed] — " Glaidstanes, B. of St Andrews. Memoires to his Maiestie, anent
Ogilvy, Tyrie, and Edzell, and of his Diocesian Synodes ; and ane desyr to have liberty
to the Hy Commissione to sit vpon Adulterers, and to intromett with their penultyes."
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 263
tyme of the affumptioune of the Thriddis, was omittit, and now, in the
Ere6tioun of the Abbacie of Sandtcolme, it is lyikwyis omittit, quhilk can
be na bettir way helpit then be making fpeciall Affumptioun of the Thridis
of the faid benefice : Thairfoire, it may pleis youre gratious Majeftie to
give commiffioune to the Archbifchoppis of St Androis, Glafgow, and
Bifchoppis of Dunkelden, Brichen, Orknay, and Rofs, my Lord Prefi-
dent, Sir Johnne Arnot, Collector Depute, or ony foure of thame, to call
before thame at Edinburgh, the Lord Sanctcolme, and Johnne Steill,
and to affume ane juft third of the faid Kirk, conforme to the availl
thairof. Swa taking my leif, I will befeak the great God to blifs youre
Majefties perfone and governament with long lyiff, and in his fauoure
to end.
Your Majefteis moft humble fubje<3, and oratour,
Dunkeld.
Edinburgh, the xxvi of Februar 1611.
To his Maieftie.
CLXI— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS AND THE BISHOP OF
BRECHIN TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratius Souekane,
May it pleis your moft Excellent Maieltie : Quhairas the Brughe
of Dundie is defyrus to heve on Mr William Wedderburne to be plantit
as on of thair paftoris, thatt place being ane great Borrow-towne,
quhilk can nott be plantit without your Maielteis royell confent, we heve
beine cairfull to try the qualitiis and difpofitione of the faid Mr William,
and hefFe fund him of a paceabill inclinatione. and heve teane of him
band and furtie, that firft he fall obey all the A6tis of the leat General]
AH'embliis ; nixt, he fall nott meddill in doctrine nor conference with
the controvertit headis of Difcipline ; and, thirdly, that he fall con-
forme him felf vnto quhatfumeuer ordour of Church government
264 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
quhich TOOT Maieftie and the Kirk fall fett doune. Vpon the quhich
we tak boldnes to recommend him to your Maieftie, that your
Maieftie void teftifie your royell confent be your Maiefteis letter, directit
to vs. Thus referring to your Maiefteis gratius plefour, ve befeik
God to bhfs your Maieftie for ever.
Your Maiefteis uioft humble fervantis,
Sanctandrois.
Edinburgh, the 2 of Marche 1611. M. A. Brechin-.1
To the Kinge his moft Excellent Maieftie.
CLXIL— THE BISHOP OF MURRAY TO KING JAMES.
It hat please your most excellent and gratious Majesty :
The report quhilk hathe cum to me of fum informatioun made
to your Maiefty off the dilapidatioun off the Bifchoprik of Murraye,
hathe fo mowit me, that I culd do no les then offer my felff to a tryell ;
quhilk I am forcit to male humill fwit for, at your Maiefties handis, be
any of your Hienes Counfell to quhom your Maieftie will committ the
i'amin, except Sir Alexander Haye, and thefe off his courfe, quho for fum
particuler hathe vniuftlye made your Maieftie to think of thefe maters.
I am maift defyrous that all my deedes and kareage be putt vnder
tryell fence my beginning, and quhat I hawe done towards your Maief-
ties ferwice, and obedience in the cuntrey quhair I dwell : fo fall your
Maieftie hawe the trewth off all my doings brocht to licht, lykvyis the
particulcr fra quhilk this mater hathe procedit difcovered. Thus, truft-
ing to your Maiefties favorable confideratioun of my inaift humill fwit,
and expecting your Maiefties directioun in that mater, I befeik the greit
•foliovah to mantein your Maiefties prefent eftate in happy conditioun
1 [Indorsed]— " Bishops of St Amhois and Brecliin to his Maiestie for Mr Win.
Wetherburne to be Minister at Dandy, because he is eonforine. Mart. 2, 1611."
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 265
to continew the famin with daylie increfce off all flourifching profperity,
and in the end to crown your excellent Maieftye with that ewirlafting
crowne and kyngdome.
Your Maiefties moift humill and ever obedient fervitour,
Edinbrugh, the levint A. B. off Murraye.1
offMarche 1611.
To his moil excellent and moil gratious Maieftye.
CLXIII.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Sotterane,
Maye it pleis your moft Excellent Maieftie : Quhairas delatioun
was maid to me be the Bifcbop of Murraye, that one Maifter Johne
Straitoun, Minifter at Forres, hed fpokin verie contumeliouflye aganis the
Affemblie of Glalgow and Epifcopall jurifdi&ioun, publicklie in exercife, in
the Bifchopps owne audience, I have cawfed cite him befoir your Maief-
ties Heich Commiffioun. The day of his comperance was Thurifday
laft, the fourteint of this inftant ; at whiche tyme, efter tryell, we have
found him wordie of punifchment, and thairfoir have filenced him, and
committed him to waird in your Maiefties Caftell of Innernefs, till your
Maiefties further plefour be knowne. In this mater, I hed the concur-
rence and advyce of the Lord Prefident, quho accompanies me in your
Maiefties fervice verie lovinglie and fordwardlie.
This Fryddaye, the fyftein of this inftant, the confecratioun of the Bil-
chop of Murraye wes folemnized verie honorablie, and countenanced be
the faid Lord Prefident and many vther Lordis of Secreit Confell, quhom
he drew thither for authorizing that folemnitie. Befoir this ordour came,
it wes odious : bot in the vfage thairof all the heareris thoght it tollerabill,
and now the beholderis and auditouris ar moved to praife and extoll it as
1 This letter is indorsed, apparently by Sir Alexander Hay, " B. Murray, to the King,
concerning me."
2l
266 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
a holye, wyfe, and grave pollicie. This nixt Twyfday holdis my Dioce-
fiane Synode befouth Forthe, in Edinburgh : and vpone the fecund of
Aprile whiche is the Senyie day appointit be your Maieftye, in Sanctan-
drois> the Synode benorth the fame; from the whiche I go to proceid in
my vifitatioun quhair I left, whiche wes in the Carfs about Perth. For
the removed pairtis in the Northe, I have difpatched them in this laft
Sommer with verie gude effect, I praife God. Thus as becomes me, lleddu
rationem villicationis mew. Oure other effairis I refer to the fufficiencie
of my Lordis of Glafgow and Orknaye, the eftablifching of quhois Bif-
choprick (it being one of my province) I humblie recomend to your
Maiefties princelie cair and confideratioun. Thus I befeik God blefs
your Maiefties royall perfoun and governement with the increafe of grace,
profperitie, and honour for ever.
I maist humblie and earnestlie beseikis
your Maiestie to giwe thankis to the honest
and kynd Secretarie1 for his grek love and
kyndnes to me and all the Bischopps my
brethrein.
Your Maiefties moll humble fubiecl; and fervant,
Sanctandrois.
Edinburgh, 16 Martii 1611.
CLXIV.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Sotjerane,
May it pleis your moft Excellent Maieftie, quhair as I vnder-
ftoode be this honorabill gentleman and your Maiefties Senatour, my
Lord Forrefters-Seatt,2 off his purpois to vifit your Maieftie off nicer
1 Sir Alexander Hay of Newton and Whitburgh, succeeded Lord Balmerinoch, as Secre-
tary, in 1608 ; and exchanged the office for that of Clerk-Register, with Sir Thomas
Hamilton, in July 1612.
* Mr Alexander Hay of Fosterseat was admitted an Ordinary Lord of Session, 25th
February 1604. He resigned his seat on the bench, in 1629.
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 267
affe&ioun and love to your Maiefties facred perfoun : finding fuch a
fympathie with my owne trew and loving difpofitioun toward your
Maieftie, I have takin boldnes even to report the fame thing, quhilk 1
have fund, and now have wrettin, and to be importune for fuch I neid
nocht, quho know I have fuch a Maifter, that lykis rather finceritie and
love with imperfe&iounis, then counterfaite fervice with greit fkill : The
Lord preferve your Maieftie for ever. I reft,
Your Maiefties moil humble fubiect and fervand,
Sanctandrois.
Edinburgh, 21 Martij 1611.
To my moft Gratious Souerane,
The King his moft excellent Maieftie.
CLXV.— THE BISHOP OF ORKNEY TO KING JAMES.
Sir,
May it plcis your moll gracious Majefte : My Lord Cancellar,
efter bis returning, did all diligenc, and left no meanis vnaffeyed to
move the Earl) of Orcney to perfect the contract and defects therof.
The terror of Dumbarton did fo affray him, that he condifcended very
muche aganft his will and ordinaire difpofition to fill vp the blank con-
cerning the quantite of the Thriddis aggreed vpon, hot as for landis
whiche fould be defigned and affigned to me for payment of thofe
Thriddis, he bathe not fo many vndifponed to Sir Jhone Arnot as may
pay me. So it may pleis your Majefte to confidder that I fall haue
nothing bot ane zeirly plea for thofe Thriddis ; and for my fclf I can
find no way of payment of him who lies no thing almoft left for him
felf, quherby, apperandly, bothe my mantenanc and feruic muft faill. I
lull vie all ordinarie means to poiFeffe my felf in payment, and that I
may attene the moi eafile therto, I will, as of befor, moft humble
entreat your Sacred Majefte that he may be keeped heer or tranfported
to Dumbartan ; that all his gouernment by his deputies, fhireffs and
268 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
bailzeis, may be difcharged vnder heeft panis; and that your Majefte
will agane autorize our Commiffions alreddie granted, and giue new
direction to the Counfell to command ws to go to Orcnay and execut
the fam, and report agane our diligenc and the trew eftait of thofe
parts to your Majefte. Sir, the Ear 11 is put, I know not how nor by
whole credit, in affured houp of your Majefties fauour, and of his full
libertie, and returning, to Orcney, and that vpon this litill poynt of
obedienc to your Majefte and fatiffaction to me. Bot your Majefte
wilbe pleafed to confidder his naturall difpofition, his former practifes, his
neceffitie, who cannot vphold his eftait now without fome wrongs done,
ather to Sir Jhone Arnot and me, or ellis to the poor opprefled people.
I know your Majefte is not vnmyndful of the many and great com-
plantis quherwith your Majefte lies beene trubled befor, and I affur my
felf that your Majefte wilbe mor cairfull to fee juftice and peace efta-
blifhed euen in thofe remoteft partis of this kingdome then to fatiffe the
Earll, or ony his fauorits defyris for his libertie and repoffeffion, except
it be vpon fuche fuirte and caution as may mak good for all dangers,
trubill, and loofes whiche may happily fall out. Sir, I wreit not fo as
prefuming to giue counfell to your moft gratious Majefte, whome God
lies inftrucled and adorned therwith moft aboundantly ; nather do I it of
any partiall or finifter affection to profit my felf or preiudg him, bot in all
humilite, and with moft refpedliue fubmiflion, to enforme your Majefte
of the treuth, whiche being difcharged by me as ane fpeciall dewtie
whiche I ow to your Highnes, 1 muft humble referr all to your Majefties
great wifdom and good pleafur. So crauing your Majefties pardon, and
killing your hands, I befeich Ahnightie God to guard your royall perfon,
to bliffe vow with long lyffe and happie gouernment, and asternall glorie.
Your Majefties moft humble and deuoted feruant,
Edinb. 2 Maij 1611. Ja. B. of Orcads.1
To the King his moft excellent and facred Majefte.
' [Indorsed] — " Law, B. Orknay to the King, desyring the Erie of Orknay to be detained
in vard, and vssed rughly, that he may be possessed of the Bishoprick. '2 May 1611."
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 269
CLXVI.—THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Soverane,
Maye it pleis your moft excellent Maieftie : According to your
Maiefties royall dire&ioun, I affemblit the hoill Minifteris of my Dyocie
benorth Forth to Die, in the citie of San6tandrois, vpone the firft day of
the Senzie, and continowed that weik according to the auncient cuftome ;
quhair I fand nothing bot obedience and conformitie in all, and did all
thingis with greit peace and contentment, with fuch corage and autho-
ritie in fuch confluence of Minifteris, as I think it wes inferiour to no
Generall Affemblie that lies bein in this kingdome, quhair your Maieftie
wes not prefent. Thair Sir Johne Ogilvie his abfolutioun wes concludit,
becaws he had not only fatiffied be oath and fubfcriptioun the Miniftrie,
bot alfo your Maiefties Thefawrer, and wes relaxed fra the borne efter
payment of his compofitioun ; according quhairto I reffaved him in the
bofome of the Kirk, in the kirk of San&androis, the day of our com-
munioun, fwa that thairefter he communicated with ws. Captane Tyrie
his excommunicatioun ordenit to be denuncit of new, for that he deludis
the Kirk, prorogattis tyme of his refolutioun, and is ane fkandale to the
quhoill kingdome, quho alfo thinkis that his familiar vfage with the
Erie of Home hinderis his Lordfchipis refolutioun ; and I wes defyred to
intreat your Maieftie moft humblie, that your Maieftie giwe commande-
ment to the Counfall, that aither he may be difpatched the countrey, or
ellis conforme him felff to the trew Religioun, quhairanent I expect your
Maiefties royall diredtioun. / have directed my sone-in-law, the Rector of
the Vniuersitie,1 to goe fordward in teaching the Canoun Law, as ane
1 Mr Peter Bruce : He held the office of Principal of St Leonard's College, St Andrews,
from 1611 to 1630. A letter from the Archbishop of St Andrews to the King in his
favour will be found under the date 23d September 1613. The words here printed in
italics are underlined in the original. In July 1616, Bruce was one of eight who were
" inaugurate Doctors at St Andrews." — (Calderwood's Hist., vol. vii. p. 222.) In the
following year, on the King's visit to St Andrews, " Doctor Bruce," as Rector, delivered
a Latin oration in the name of the University. — (Adamson's Muses Welcome, &c, Edinb.
1618, folio, p. 169.)
270 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1G11.
reddie way to briny out the Presbitcrian Discipline fra the heartis of the
young ones, and to acquent even the oldest with the auncient Churchc
Governcment, quhairqf thaj ar iynorant ; and the Vniuersitie hes aygried
ihnirto. This fervice is gratuitlye done be the gentilman. Quhen occa-
fioun fervis, and efter tryell of his valour, learning, and wifdome, I houp
your Maieftie will have fum regaird of him, and the rather for my caws.
As for the effairis Southward, concerning my refidence in Edinburgh,
quhilk your Maieftie commandis, I have keipit the fame precyflie, and
have refidett thair thir two yeiris paft, induring the tyme of the fitting
of the Seffioun, to my greit and exorbitant expenffis. Allwayes I fall
never irk to beftow this body, and the moyen quhilk I have reffaved of
your Maieftie, in your Maiefties fervice. As concerning my preaching,
and of otheris in the Kirk of Edinburgh, I fall fo do that your Maieftie
fall gaine your people's hearts be my forme of dealing thairin. Bot, Sir,
lett me faye, the Bifchop of Orknaye his ordinar preaching in Edin-
burgh will feime to be ane cloak for his non-refidence ; quhairfoir it
falbe meiteft that he, as otheris of our rank, falbe imployed to teach e
thair obiter, and I ordinarlie ; for as for me, Ve mihi si non evangeli-
zavero, for that is my joye and crowne. All the Bifchopps in my Pro-
vince ar now confecrated ; for efter that I had performed that work, fo,
in Leith and Edinburgh, that the verie Precyfiances, quho hed caried
preiudice about that purpois, wer fullie fatiffeit. Being informit that
thofe of the North (quho benorth my Dyocie ar moir vnrcwlie then any
in the South) fpak calumnioufiy, both in public! and privat, of that con-
fecratioun, I thocht meitt thair alfwa to practize that aclioun ; and thair-
vpone have confecrated the Bifchopps of Abyrdein and Cathnes, in the
Cathedrall Kirk of Breichine, being affifted with the Bifchopps of Dun-
keld and Breichine, in the fight of fuch ane multitude of people as I
never faw in fuch a bounds ; and fo the north as the fouth is weill
refolved, in fo much as I may compair with any Prelatt in the lie of
Britaine in the materis of obedience to God, the King, and to me the
vnworthie fervand of yow both. As concerning your Maiefties direc-
tioun anent the Minifteris of Fyffe that admitted Mr Robert Murraye
vpone my Lord of Scone his prefentatioun, I have cawfed fummond
them befoir the Lordis of your Maieltics High Commiflioun, and fall
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 271
precyflie follow your Maiefties directions anent them, if thai lay not
ower the fame vpone ane other. Thair hath bein ane greit jarr and fedi-
tioun in Perth, be reffoun of ane emulatioun betuix Mr William Couper
and the Clerk of the Toune, quho had each one thair owne followeris ;
quhairvpone I haue both denuncit and finifched ane vifitatioun of that
kirk, quhairin I haue fetled that mater in peace and love and fatiffac-
tioun of all pairties. Mr Johne Rutherfuird was placed be me in the
Kirk of Dairfie verye folemnelye befoir the reffait of your Maiefties
letter. My advyces ar fend heirwith to your Maieftie, quhilkis pleis
reid, and direcl according to your Maiefties incomparable wifdome.
Thus I befeik God to blefs your Maieftie with all temporall and fpi-
rituall profperitie in Chrift. I reft,
Your Maiefties moft humble and obedient fervitour,
Sanctandrois.1
Sanctandrois, 3 Maij 1611.
CLVII.— THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Sacred Souerane,
May it pleafe your moft Excellent Majeftie : The moft Reuerend
Father in God, your Majefties moft truftie Counfellour the Archbifchop
of Sandtandroufs, our werie prudent Chanceller, hauing informit vs the
Reclor, Deanes of Faculties, and remanent Maifteris of your Majefties
Vniuerfitie of San6tandrous, hou cairful your Majeftie is of the norifh-
ing eftait thairof, particularlie of the dedicatioune of ane commoune
Bibliotheque thairto, quhairby learning (throche bypaft penurie of buikis
fumquhat decaying) may be, to the benefit of the Kirk and Commoune-
1 [Indorsed] — " Glaidstanes B. of St Androis to his Maiestie, That he hes great peace
and obedience in his Synodes : of Sr Jo. Ogilvy and Captane Tyry ; that the Canon
Law is taucht by his sone in law ; that the consecration of Bischops is weill lyked be all
in all partes. Precisianes. 3 May 1611."
272 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1011.
veil, refufcitat ; and vee vithin this your Majefties Vniuerfitie moir
inhablit to your Majefties feruice : Ve can nocht without the blot of
deteftable ingratitude and inexcuifable vndeutifulnes to your Majeftie, as
our moft gratioufs and beneficent Prince, but vithe all humilitie of mynd
and bodie, moft hartlie thanke your Majeftie thairfoir : And, vith the
lyk humilitie in houp to be hard, moft earneftlie intreat your Majeftie
to perfytly profecute that particulare purpoife of liberalitie touardis vs :
And generallie, according to the laudable difpofitioune of your Majefties
royall progenitoris of bliffed memorie, to continoue, to the immortalitee
of your Majefties name, in aduancing, be moiens and priueledges, this
your Majefties principall and moft renoumed Vniverfitee vithin this
realme. Thus, vithc permiflioune, prsefuming to affure your Majeftie of
our moft deutiful affedlion to your Majefties feruice, and furtherance
thairof ather in Kirk or Commoune-veil, according to our pouer and
vocatioune, Vee, frome the bottome of our hartis, vniformlie recommend
your Majefties royal perfoune and eftait to the Almichtee God ; quho
may blifs your Majeftie in this lyf vith a long and profperoufs raigne,
and vith ane asternal and glorioufs, in the lyf to cum.
Your Majefties moft humble and obedient
feruitouris and fubjectis,
Maistek Jhone Wemis, Rector.
Mr James Martine. Mr Robert Hovye.
Mr Dauid Monypennie.
Mr Robert Wilkie. Mr George Martine.
Mr Jhone Jonston. Maister Jhone Strang. Maister James Blair.
M. Patrik Malvill. Mr Wm. Macdowell. Maister James Schevez.
M. Peter Bruce. Mr Alex" Henderson. Mr Hendreg Danskein.
Mr Ja. Wemyse. Maister William Lambie.1
Sanctandrois, 4 Maij 1611.
1 In the volume of Abbotsford Club " Letters, and Letters and State Papers, &c,"
Edinburgh, 1838, 4to, this letter is inserted at page 200, accompanied with a facsimile
of the signatures.
1611.J TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 273
CLXVHI THE AKCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Souerane,
Maye it pleis your mod Excellent Maieftie, remember Mr Wil-
liam Watfoun, now Minifter at the Kirk of Brunteland, wes at your
Maiefties fpeciall defyre removed from Edinburgh1 to that Kirk; to
which, becaws no ftipend culd be had, it plefit your Maieftie at that
tyme to giwe direciioun to your Maiefties Collectour for payment of
fyve hundreth merkis yeirlie to be payit to the faid Mr William furth of
the reddieft of the rentis of the Colleclorie, till fum better provifioun
conveniently might be had ; quhairupoun the Colle&our then gaif his
band. Now it hath plefit your Maieltie to command my Lord Prefi-
dent to dimit the office of Colle&orie,2 and to appoint ane number of
your Maiefties Counfell to owerfie your Maiefties rentis and carnalities
heir within this your Maiefties kyngdome ; quho (without your Maiefties
fpeciall warrand and directioun) will have no cair to fie the faid Mr Wil-
liam payit of his faid ftipend appointit to him for his fervice at the faid
Kirk, as he hes bein in vfe of payment thairof be my Lord Prefident,
then Collectour, ever fince he was planted Minifter at that Church ; and
that Church being one of the fpeciall churches of my Dyocie, for provi-
fioun quhairof I am bund of all dewtie to be cairfull, — Am thairfoir maift
humblie to befeik your Maieftie, that it may pleis your Maieftie to
direct your Maiefties plefour for payment of the faid Mr William his
ftipend furth of the reddieft of your Maiefties rentis quhatfumever,
otherwayes he wilbe compellit to leave his charge, and that gude Toun
be deftitute of ane Minifter. Thus I befeik God to blefs your Maieftie
for ever.
Your Maiefties moft humbill fubject and fervand,
Edinburgh, 25 Maij 1611. Sanctandrois.
1 Watson had been discharged from his office as one of the Ministers of Edinburgh, by
King James, in September 1600, because, with some of his brethren, he was " not clear" in
regard to " the Gowrye Conspiracy." He afterwards became Minister of Burntisland ;
and was translated, in 1616, to Markinch, where he died in 1619.
1 Mr John Prestoun of Fentounbarns : see foot-note to p. 184.
2 m
274 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
CLXIX.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREAVS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Souuerain,
Quhairas it pleafed your Maieftie to dire6t me to cite fome
Minifters of Fyfe befor your Hienes Hie Commiffione, for admiffione
of the Minifter of Strameiglo to the fun&ione of the minifterie1 without
confent and prefence of his ordinaire Bifchop againft the Canons of our
Kirk, we haue fo done, and haue confyned them induring your Majes-
ties pleafour, and quhil forder of your Maiefties will be knowne : We
haue all fund that thefe perfons, vidK Maifters Jhone Caldcleuch, James
Pitcairne, Henry Leich in Auchtermuchtie, and Androw Bennet in
Monymeale, ar men nowayis of euil difpofitione, nor neuir wer, to your
Maiefties fervice, and qubat they haue done in this matter is only of
fimplicitie and ignorance, and thairfor I wes ^lefyred to humbly intreat
your Majeftie for pardone and relief of them fra their warding, fpecially
in refpect that Mr Jhone Caldcleuch, quho wes principal actor, lies euer
bene and is your Majefties faithful fervand, and being Moderatour of
that Exercice, his abfence thairfra may doe harme. Thus we exfpect
your Majefties gratious anfwer anent them. But for as much as in that
actione they wer directed be the Exercice, it falbe meit that your Majef-
tie giue directione and charge to me that the famen be diffolved, and
out of the breach therof ane vther be eftablifhed in Falkland ; fpecially
fince, in the firft erectione of Prefbitries, Anno 1581, at Glafgo, Falk-
land wes appointed ane fpecial place for ane Prefbitrie (for I haue pre-
fentlie read the Acts of that General Affembly), fwa that thair falbe
ane gude warrand thairfor ; and thairby alfo we will haue occafione to
drawe in fome weill affected brethren to the Exercice of Sanctandrois,
quhair remainis as yet fome braid of the auld Canaanits not fully
rooted out.
Efter the returne of my Lord of Glafgo, among wther purpofes, he fhew
me, that it wes your Maiefties pleafour and directione to my Lord
Chancellour that, in cenfuring the toune of Sanctandrois, refpect fould
1 This refers to the admission of Mr Robert Murray as Minister of Strathmiglo, in
Fife, without his having obtained the consent of the Archbishop of St Andrews.
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 275
be had to me, and that I fould be poffeffed with lyke privileges in the
electione of the Magiftrats thair, as my Lord of Glafgo is endwed with
in that his citie. But quhils I paffed to my Lord Chancellour to
enquyre of your Majefties pleafour thairanent, he denyes and mifkenis
the famen. My petitione is moft juft and reafonable ; for, I will avowe
to your Majeftie, they haue not anie wreit or warrand wnder heaven for
that thair privilege ; therfor juftlie be your Majefties lawis it apperteenis
to me, and in heicher meafour than the vther to my Lord of Glafgo.
Quhairfor it may pleafe your Majeftie to renewe your royal directione to
my Lord Chancellour anent the recouerie of my richt, and that with
diligence and peremptourlie ; for your Majeftie knawis quhat hes bene
and is his Lordfhipis difpofitione touards ws and our Eftate : And for
juftifeing of your Majefties proceedings, it may pleafe your Majeftie
direct the Lord Chancellour to command the Magiftrats and Counfel of
Sanctandrois to produce the warrand of thair privileges at the nixt dyet
of thair compeirance befor the Counfel, and it falbe fund, that they haue
not fo much as probabilitie of richt, quhilk is intollerable in your Majef-
ties fo juft and majeftick gouernement. Sire, quhairas they ar trouble-
fome, I wil be anfwerabill to your Majeftie and Councel for them efter
that I be poffeffed of my richt ; and as for thair furder cenfure, I hope
your Majeftie will wfe no leffe clemencie than your Majefties mercieful
inclinatione hath bene accuftomed with of befor ; for I will affure your
Majeftie, that befor euer thefe two men of the guarde intimate thair
errand and commiffione to the Magiftrats, the guyltie perfone wes out
of thair hands and fugitive. Sire, I am not to defend them, and hope
that the Lords of Councel will mak ane trew relatione to your Majeftie.
Bot quhatfoeuer our knowne freindlyke foes haue informed or fall in-
forme your Majeftie of ws and ours, I hope your Majeftie will fufpect
the lame, quhil wthers more vnfufpect cleere the verritie thairof.
According to your Majefties directione, I haue admitted to the mini-
fterie heir in Edinburgh Maifter Thomas Sincerf,1 and haue in great
l'olemnitie taken of him the oath of fupremacie to your Majeftie, and
obedience to me as his Ordinair ; and I continewe in preaching euerie
Sunday before noone in the Hie Kirk.
' Synserffe or Sydeserf : in 1634 he became Bishop of Galloway.
276 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
I wes bold to wreit to your Majeftie laitlie anent Thomas Tyrie,
quhois refort heir offendit all the godlie ; and concerning ane Bibliotheck
to the Vniuerfitie of St Androis ; and my Sone of law, your Majefties
moft affectioned fervand, his teacliing of the Canon Law. Thus the Lord
your God bleffe your Maiefties royal perfone and eftate for euer.
Your Majefties moft devoted fubject and fervitour,
Sanctandkois.1
Edinburgh, 9 Junij 1611.
To the King his moft Excellent Majeftie.
CLXX.— THE AKCHBISHOP OF ST ANDEEWS TO KING JAMES.
Memoires to his Sacred Majestie.
It will pleafe your Majeftie to directe the Counfel anent Capitaine
Tyrie.
It will pleafe your Majeftie remember the dedicatione of ane Biblio-
thecke to the Yniuerfitie of Sanctandrois, be advyfe of my Lord now of
Canturberrie.
It wer expedient that the forme and ordour of making Bacheliers
and Doctours of Divinitie and of the Lawes wer fend homeward to
me, that I micht once create one or two Doctours, to incite wthers
to the fame honour ; for we haue appointed both ane Facultie of Theo-
logie and ane Deane therof, namelie, Maifter Robert Howie, quhome
we wald wifche to haue Insignia Doctoratus ; and to incourage our
ignorant Cleargie to learning, that your Majeftie fould giue me and all
wthers Bifchops in this kingdome, directione, that in prefentatione to
1 \Indorsed~\ — " Glaidstanes B. of St Androis shawes his Maiostie that he hath censured
the Ministeris of the Presbytrie of Cuper for admitting of Mr Bob. Moray to Stramiglo
vithout the Bischop's consent ; and desyres the Presbytrie of Cuper to be broken, and
that the toune of St Androis be maid subject to him. 9 Junij 1611."
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 277
benefices, thofe quho ar graduate or in the courfe of Diuinitie in this
Vniuerfitie, namelie, actuall Maifters and Regents, be prseferred to anie
wthers ; and fo your Majeilie may purchafe fame and honour immortal
be the patrocinie of this the eldeft mother of learning within this your
Majefties moft auncient kingdome.
Since in the Inftitutione of the College of Juftice one day in the
weeke fould be given to the Kirks actions, quhilk wes Setterday, I wald
maift humblie intreate your Majeftie that commandement micht be
given to the Chancellair and Pnefident that the fame be fome vther day,
becaus it is the day of our ftudie, and on that day I may haue libertie
to come in to the Inner Houfe, that be my roole all the actions of the
minifterie and cleargie may be called ; for I afchame, that quhen all the
Minifters of the kingdome depende vpon me as thair Primat and patrone,
I haue not that credite, nather to haue my awne nor thair actions
called. So I humblie befeik your Majeftie, feing the whole cleargie
depends vpon me as vpon thair loving father, in your Majefties abfence,
that I may haue fuch credite as may vindicate me from contempt, and
may further my eftimatione for the gude of your Majefties fervice ; for
albeit my Lord of Glafgo be weill myndit, yet the neceffarie buffinefs of
his awne ecclefiaftick charge avocats him from onwaitting on our turnes,
and I am daylie refident thair in my awne chairge.
Sanctandrois.1
CLXXL— THE BISHOP OF MURRAY TO KING JAMES.
Sacred Soverane,
It may pleas your Gratious Maieftie : I am conftranit to tak my
recourfe to your Hienes favour in my gret neceffity, albeit your Maieftie
coft this benefice off the Bifchoprik off Murraye from the vmquhill Lord
Spynie,2 yit trew it is the Lord Spynie circumvenit me, and gatt ane
1 [Indorsed] — " B. Glaidstanes Memoires to his Maj. for ordour of making of Doctores
of Divinity ; for the liberty of ane day in the Sessione to call his awin and the Ministeris
actiones."
J Sir Alexander Lindsay, Lord Spynie, had a charter of the manse of the precentor of
278 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
band of myne for ten thoufand markis, to haif bein payit in ten yeir, and
becaus I affirmit I vald certifie your Maieftie thairof, he promeft in his
owne tyme to difcharge the famin for ane les foume ; bot be being tane
away, his brother Sir John Lyndfay, tutour to this Lord Spynie, agreit
with me for four thoufand and four hundreth merkis, quhilk I payit four
yeir fence, nocht willing that the knovlege theroff fould hawe cum to
your Maiefties earis. Bot now Sir Jhone Lyndfay being alfo dead,2 and
my band fund regiftrat, this Lord Spynie's curatouris perfewis me for
fulfilling of that holl band of ten thoufand markis. I moil humblie
defyre your Maiefties earneft letter to my Lord Chancelar off Scotland,
fchewand that your Maieftie is offendit that any geir fuld be focht off
me for that quhilk your Hienes payit for fufnciently ; and nixt, that his
Lordfhip will travell with the Earles of Mortoun and Kinghorne, now
curatouris, to fetle that mater, and nocht to truble me as they will hawe
your Maiefties favour ; and that my Lord Chancelar will caus do me
preceife juftice anent my band off relieff, quhilk I haiff rather fence I
haiff payit my geir. Laft, that his Lordfhip will adverteis your Hienes
of the frutis of his travillis. Your Maiefties earnift letter will obtein
fum eafe to me, vthervayes, giff I be compellit to pay the hole foume,
I will never be able to ferve your Maieftie. I craiff moft humbly your
Maiefties pardoun of this my importunity, and lookand for fum token of
your Maiefties clemency toward me in this my humble petitioun, I
wifche your Maieftie long profperity heir, and in end lyff eternall.
Your Hienes moft affectionat and obedient fervitour,
A. B. OFF MUKRAYE.
Murray, 24th September 1C06. The same year, his Lordship gave up to the King the
lands belonging to the See of Murray, on payment of a sum of money. — (Wood's Peer-
age, vol. ii. p. 517.) A letter from the King to Lord Spynie on this matter is printed
in the Abbotsford Miscellany, vol. i. p. 214, and in Lord Lindsay's Lives of the Lind-
says, vol. i. p. 324. Lord Spynie, as stated at page 195, was slain in July 1607.
1 Sir John Lindsay of Ballinscho, tutor to his nephew, Alexander second Lord Spynie,
died 29th January 1009.— (Riddell's Crawfurd-Lindsay Peerage Case, Table III.) Re-
garding this feud, see Lord Lindsay's Lives of the Lindsays, vol. i. pp. 385 — 393.)
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 279
CLXXIL— THE AECHBISHOP OF GLASGOW [TO SIR JAMES
SEMPILL OF BELTREES.]1
Since your departure I was in Irwing at our Synode. The
Burgeffis of Air met me fuin fewin myles from the town, and attendit
me quhil I remaynit in the countrey. I was gritly importunit with
thair confeffionis of mifbehaviour, and requeftis to interceid with his
Maieftie and Councel for thair Minifter 2 and tham felfis. I anfwerit, that
for any thing concernit my felf I wes moft willing to forgif it, and fuld
never remember the fam, but his Maiefties intereft for the better
governement of thair Town, and the punifhing of the Minifter, wes a
point that I belewit the Lordis of Privie Counfal wold not, and my felf
durft not medle in. Thai intreatit erneftly ane delay of matteris til his
Maieftie fuld be advertifit of new of thair difpofitioun to amend al
thingis that wer palt. But I faid, his Maieftie wold expect to hear from
ws of our proceedinge in thefe effaires, and no continewatioun culd be
had of the dyet, fearing of his Maiefties offenfe. So thai refolvit to keip
the Counfel day and prefent thair fupplicationis, quhilk wes this Fryday
lafl. The minifteris wer al prefent at the Sinode, faif one, Mr James Inglis.3
I maid tham a fermon of confeience, becaufe thofe men do bragge much
of it, and as I heard it touchit fum of thair confeiences. Sum of tham
haif bein inftant with me for bukis and conference, quhilk I haif promi-
fit. We paft our effaires quyetly enough, and fo partit.
The Lord Lowdon met me the morow after, and fet ine by the way
towardis Glafgo, befeeching me not to think that he favored the follyis
of any fuche people ; quhilk I faid I never fufpectit. From Glafgo I
cam the day after to Edinburgh, in cumpany with my Lord Abircorn, qho
is returnit, thankis to God ! faif and in gud health. Be the way, I had
large difcourfe with his Lordfhip of his Irifch voyage, the nature of that
1 The address of this letter is lost : but it occurs among some Sempill papers, in the
Wodrow MBS., Folio vol. L., no. 97 ; and v.-as evidently addressed to Sir James Sem-
pill of Beltrees, in Renfrewshire.
8 Mr George Dunbar : see No. CLXXIV. 3 Minister of Dailly, in Ayrshire.
280 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
land and people, and learnit many thingis that I do think fuld pleafe
his Maieftie wonderfully to hear, for the Plantatioun. I neid not fay to
yow what you know your felf of that Nobleman, and his affection towardis
his Maiefties fervice ; only this, I know not his lyk. If his Hienes fuld
think meit that he journeyit thither, he wald be glaid, vpone your ad-
vertifment, or rather his Maiefties defyr ; and he fayis, he culd, in making
account of his fervice, gif his Maieftie a fure and trew information of the
ftate of al things thair, and mak his Hienes intelligence of diverfe thingis
that tend alfveil to the furtherance of his Maiefties profit as the weil
and quyet of that kingdom. Befydis, I know his Lordfhip wil think it
a gracing of his fervice that his Maieftie tak this notice of him, and that
the famin wil animat his Lordfhip muche in his Maiefties proceedingis.
And qhen he cumis, ye knaw, he is not, as other noblemen, fafchioufe
with futis, nor wil importun his Maieftie in any fort with fuch lyk,
thairfore ye may do, as ye find, after hearing, his Maieftie inclynit.
This day, at Counfal, we had the Minifter of Air, qho being chargit
for praying publickly for the diftreffit brethren, wold haif fchiftit the
matter upone his generalitie in prayer, faying, that he prayit only for
the afflictit memberis of Chriftis body ; and that for his tliochts he was
not anfwerable to any man, for his wordis and a&ionis he wald gif
account. I chargit him that he prayit for the banifchit Brethren. He
faid, that thai war brethren banifchit in France, Italie, and Spain, and
of tham his prayer might be meanit ; yit the witneflis being examined,
and he afterwardis preflit with thair depofitiones, and to fchaw his own
mynd, culd not clear himfelf, and fo was found giltie ; qhairvpon he
was commandit to ward in Dumbartan town. I will not wryt any thing
of the negligent handling of matteris, or how I wes compellit, being at
Irwing, to fummond witneffis in his mater vpon my own warrand, for
thir ar thingis that wil not mend. The Burgefiis of Air haling electit
thair Magiftrats before the charge wes gifin tham, as I fchew yow at
parting, vpon the charge, maid ane new ele&ioun of fik as his Majeftie
appointit, vnder proteftatioun that thai left to the Lordis of Counfal the
judgment of thair firft, qhether it wes lawfully done, and fuld ftand or
not. Thair fupplication tendit this day to fchow qhat obedience thai
had gifin, and to befeik the Lordis for thair liberties, that the famin
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFALBS. 281
fuld not be imparit, and thair own electioun might ftand. Thai menit
tham felfis chiefly in this, that a craftifman wes chofen to be ane baize,
quhilk newer wes thair permittit. The Connfal, after advyfe, finding a
grit faulte to be done in the executioun of the charge, be him that wes
appointit meffinger, tuk ordour to difcharge al former electioun, and
commandit tham of new to chufe Jhon Ofburn proveft, James Jhon-
ftoun baize, two that wer nominat be his Majeftie, and one James
Blair, a merchant, qho hes promifit grit reformatioun of matteris thair.
Thus I think matteris ar thair quietit. I am only follift for a Minifter
to the town ; for thocht I haif grit folliftationis to refaif his fatiffaclioun
for thingis paft, and furtie for gud behaviour in tyme cumming, I hold it
no way fure to commit that flock to that Shepheard that hes teachit
tham far to ftray. Men ar heir very hardly found that hes curage or
witt to cary tham felfis with fuche ane affeclit people, and I wold glaidly
haif fum Englifche man to refide thair for a feafon, be his Majefties
direclioun. If his Hienes think otherwife, I fall do my beft.
I am defyrit to obten this warrand, qhiche heirwith I fend, for my
Lord of Lowdoun and his Ant the Lady Eglintoun.1 Ye wil cary it fo that
no man vnderftand, for the matter is reafonable in it felf to be grantit,
and thai wold haif it fo qwyet as none fuld know the fam, leift ane other
warrand fuld be obtenit in the contrair; for ye know qho hes entrefie.
It makis to my credit with thofe folkis, and will affure tham to me in
his Majefties fervice, for qhich refpe6te ye wilbe plefit humblie to defyr
his Majefties hand vnto it, and leave the fam vndatit and vnclofit, fend-
ing the fam to me with the firft occafioun. The other letter is a requeft
for Mr Patrik Melvil to the Archbifchop of St Androwis, quhilk his
Majeftie haifing fignit, yow wil caufe James Dowglas cafchet.
Being this day at compofitiounis, the Chancellar, in the beginning,
declarit that thai wer fum that maid informationis to his Majeftie anent
the Thefaurar comptis, the fchortnes of tham, and the controlling of fum
particulars, and maid Sir John Arnot offer tham to any that wald yit
1 Sir Hugh Campbell of Loudoun was created Lord Campbell of Loudoun, 30th June
1601. His aunt, the eldest daughter of Sir Mathew Campbell, married Robert Mont-
gomery of Giffen, who had been styled Master of Eglintoun, as presumptive heir of the
title : their only daughter married her eousin-german, Hugh, fifth Earl of Eglintoun.
2n
282 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
revife tliam. Qhen every man had anfwerit, I kept filence, and faid
nothing. He fayit, This is our aid gaddis, to be ever making eom-
plaintis. Henry Wardlaw declarit, that his Majeftie expectit that he
fuld haif fum money ouer, be thai? Lordfchips laboris, and fuld not be
kept vnder dett this way. The Prefident anfwerit, I wold thai wer
money, but it muft not go to Ingland.
I go, on Monday next, towardis Peblis, for our Sinode thair, and
wil returne from Glafgow to Edinburgh before Hallow tide, Godwilling.
from fik as ye fent tham to, as alfo, ' and make me
acquaint with his Majefties pleafure in the premiffis, and to recomend
my humble fervice to his Majeftie. I commend yow fo hartely to Godis
protectioun, and reftis
Your affurit freind,
Glasgow.
Edinburgh, the 12 of OcF 1611.
The haft of the pacquet lies maid me flay to wryt Mr Pa. Melvine's
letter. It is only to requeift the Bifchop, in regard of his gud affectioun
to the Kingis Majefties fervice, to fie that he be reftorit to his firft
ftipend,2 and gratefeit in any thing quhairin thair falbe oceanon to do
him plefour. James Dowglas wil chaw it vpon your defyr. The other
warrant inclofit ye wil lat no man fie or hear of.
CLXXIII.— HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF
GLASGOW.
Right reverend Father in God, Our right trufty and weill-beloved
Counfalour, We greet yow hartely weill. Out of confideratioune of the
1 The letter is partially mutilated, and some words illegible.
• See M'Crie's Life of Melville, vol. ii. p. 189. Mr Patrick Melvin, or Melville, a
nephew of Andrew Melville, was Professor of Hebrew in the University of Glasgow ;
and was brought, in 1587, to fill the same chair in St Mary's or the New College, St An-
drews. In July 1616, he was created D.D. — (Calderwood's History, vol. vii. p. 222,
vol. viii. p. 95.)
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 283
perfeverance of Mr Dumbar, late Minifter of Air, in his enormyteis, and
howe vnfit fuche a head fhuld prowe for fnche a body ; and yet vnwill-
ing that the people of that toun (which yow reporte fo weill of) fhuld
be vnprouided of fufficient Paftouris, We haue thoght it good to com-
mand yow, in Our name and autoritie, to call vnto yow Mr William
Birney (of whome We haue heard often weell), and direct him fo fpeedely
as yow can to tak a charge of the toun of Air, and fuplie Dumbar's
place ; as alfo, that ye tak fome courfe for the Churche at which he
now ferueth, leaft it be difapoynted. The particular cariage We mult
remitt to vour difcretioune. Onlie, let this be a fufficiend warrand for
yow, the toun of Air, and Mr Birney, to go on as fhalbe expedient, and
as yow fhall certifie Us, or requyre forther ftrenthe for remowing either
of impedimentis or acknowledging the duetyis of fuche as obedientlie
anfwere Our will, intending euir their owne weels, you fhalbe fpeedely
fatiffeit.
Farder, We haiving of long tyme refolved to reftore the auncient dig-
nity of our Chapell Boyall in that Kingdome, and confidering that Air
is a Churche thervpon depending, We haue made choice of Mr Birney '
to ferve there, the rather becaus We haue a mynd to prefer him alfo to
be Deane of Our faid Chapell.
As for Mr Williame Levingftoune,2 newes of that nature are euir
acceptable to ws, but We wifhe they wer certane and There-
fore We will that yow, out of your knowledge (as one at whofe handis
We will craiwe the account of his behaviour), fo proceed in releafing his
confynment as ye knaw he meritts. And fo farre We doe give yow this
for your warrant. And fo we bid yow hairtcly fairweell.3
Whitehall, the tenth day of Apryll 1612.
1 Mr William Birnie was a native of Edinburgh, and became Minister of Lanark (see
supra, note to page 115), in December 1597. Agreeably to the tenor of the above
letter, lie was translated to Ayr, in 1612, where he died in 1619, aged 56.
1 Levingstoun, Minister of Monyabrock, in Stirlingshire, soon after this became Birnie's
successor as Minister of Lanark. He died in 1641, aged 65.
3 [Indorsed] — " Copy of his Majesties letter anent the placeing of Mr Birney Minister
at Air, sent to the Archbischope of Glasgow, daittit the tenth of Aprill 1612."
284 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1612.
CLXXIV SIR ROBERT MELVILLE OF MURDOCAIRNEY TO
KING JAMES.1
Most Gratious Soveragne,
Sen it lies pleifit your Sacred Maieftie, owt of your accuftumat
fauour to me, baith to writt and direct my Lord Chancellar to will the
Archebifchope of San6tandrois to deall with me in my particular, as he
him felff and uther Bifchoppis lies delt with thair waffallis ; yit howfo-
ever he hes anfuerit your Maieftie, I fand na thing hot ane abfolute
difpofitioun and purpois to tranffer, in the perfone of his Sone,2 that pece
land quhilk his prediceffouris refingit in my fauour, to be haldin of your
Sacred Maieftie ; notwithftanding that I haif continuallie bene offring
quhat fatiffaclioun, with reafoun, it fuld pleis ony of the Bifchoppis, or
vther difcreit men, that I fuld do for the renewing of my infeftment. I
am efchamit that I fuld thus wayis be fafchious vnto your Sacred Ma-
ieftie, hot finding my felff fo ftraitit be his rigour, I haif na vther refuge
bot to feik to your Maiefteis vounted gratious fauour, that be your
Hienes direclioun of this vther warrand to the Lordis of Seffioun, all
a6tioun intendit be him aganes me may ceifs ; in fa fer as it is your
Maiefteis fpeciall will and command that our difference be compofit
be the Archebifchope of Glafgow, the Bifchoppis of Orknay and His, as
men weill knawin to be affeclit to do reaflbun and meffour with fauour
and quyetnes to all men ; for to thair judgement, anent fik fatiffaclioun
as I/all mak for the renewing of my infeftment, I am willing abfolutlie
to abyd and ftand. And fa, with all humilitie, kiffand your Maiefteis
inoft facred handis, I pray God in mercy to grant your Maieftie mony
1 Sir Robert Melville was Treasurer-Depute, and an Extraordinary Lord of Session.
He was raised to the peerage, by the title of Lord Melville of Monimail, in 1C1C, and died
in 1621, at the advanced age of ninety-four. — The original letter has no date. Sir James
Balfour has placed it under May 1012, in his volume of " Staite Bussines for the yeires
1612 & 1013."
2 This probably refers to some grant in connection with the Archdeanry of St
Andrews, to which the Archbishop's Son, Dr Alexander Gladstanes, had recently been
preferred.
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 285
joy full and happie dayes, to his glory, and the confort of all your faith-
full fervandis and fubiectis.
Your Maiefteis mailt humbill and obedient feruitour,
S. Robert Meluill.
To the Kingis moft Excellent Maieftie.
CLXXV.— THE LORDS OF THE PEIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious and Sacred Souerane,
Thair lies bene ane petitioun exhibite vnto ws be Anna Home,
eldeft lauchfull doghter to the lait Erll of Dunbar, of goode memorie,
proporting, that althoght flio lies coniuncl entres and clanie with hir
vther fuller in the right of fucceffioun to hir faderis liaill eflate and
leving, and that accordinglie tbay ar botlie fubieet to the burdyne of his
ingagementis and debtis, whilkis Could haif bene defrayit and payit of
the reddielt of his mouablis and goodis ; that neuirtheles fho hes fuftenit
very grite preiudice, infofar as the Erll of Suffok, vnder cullour of ane
intendit mariage betwix the Lord Walden his fon and the vther fufter,
whiche is not accomplifheit, and litle certantie and appeirance thairof,
hes gottin the intromifiioun with hir faderis haill mouablis, jewellis, and
filuer plaitt, alfweele in England as at Berwick, and he being one aganis
whome hir faderis creditouris can haif no executioun be the lawis of this
kingdome, the burdyne of hir faderis haill debtis heir, whilkis furmont-
eth ane hundreth thowfand pundis, will light vpoun hir and hir
hufband, to the wrake and ouerthrowe of thame and thair eftate ; and
thairfoir, thair requeist and petitioun vnto ws wes, that we wald recom-
mend thame vnto your Sacred Maieftie : whiche petitioun being hard
and deulie confidderit be ws, and we knowing the finceritie of your
Maiefties royall hairt and difpofitioun, whiche in all your Maiefties
actiounis produceth moft lyvelie argumentis and taikynnis of pietie,
equitie, and iuftice, to the vnfpeakable conforte of all your Maiefties
286
ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING
[1012.
goode fubie&is, ar thairvpoun embauldenit on the behalf of thir peti-
tionaris to recommend thame in this particulair to your Maiefties
gratious and princelie confidcratioun, and humelie to intreate your
Maiefteis fauour, that howeuir vpoun fome confiderationis the Erll of
Suffok lies gottin poffeffioun of that noblemanis goodis, whairvnto he
can pretend no prefent clame nor title, and whilk is lykewayes difpu-
table althoght the mariage wer accomplifheit, that yitt your Maieftie,
in the excellent perfe&ioun of your cleir iudgement and fingulair
wifdome, will tak fuche courfe as the fame goodis, jewellis, mouables,
and filuer plaitt may be putt in indifferent keeping, to be furthcomeand,
according to the courfe of law and iuftice, to fuche as falbe foundin to
haif right thairunto ; that fo as that nobleman who now reftis with God
levit in very goode foirt, credite, and reputatioun, and left fufficient-
lie of his awne to defray all his burdynis and debtis, evin fua now fome
cair may be had that his name be nocht broght in queftioun, his credi-
touris preiudgeit, nor this his doghter and hir hufband wrackit and
vndono with the burdyne of his debtis, whenas thair is eneugh of his
awne to do that turne. And thus humelie craving your Maiefties par-
doun for this oure prefumptioun, and praying Almightie God to bliffe
your Maieftie and your royall progenye with all happynes, we reft
for ever,
Your Maiefties moft humble and obedyent
fubiectis and feruitouris,
Edinburgh, penult of May 1612.
Al. Cancell".
lothiane.
Glasgow.
a.bercorne.
KlLSATTH.
Glencairne.
Scone.
Sanctandhois.
Argtle.
LlNLITHGW.
Blanttre.
Bdkclugue.
r. cokburne.
To the King his moft Sacred and
Excellent Maieftie.
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 287
CLXXVL— THE AKCHBISHOP OF ST ANDEEWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Souerane,
May it pleafe your moft Excellent Maieftie : Whairas ane foule
llaughter hath bene committed of one Smyth, ane aledged fals coinzear,
befyd Thurfo in Cathnes, efter he was taken be fum gentilmen of South-
erland vpon your Maiefties commiffioun, at the which tyme alfo thair
was two gentilmen flaine of the name of Sinclair. The llaughter of the
apprehended was laid vpon the Erie of Cathnes his men, which imputa-
tioun implyed fufpitioun of foule crymes. Alwayis the noble man was
abfent owt of the cuntrey at that tyme, and efter he was adverteifed of
thofe reportis hath cum in prefence of the Lordis of your Maiefties moft
honorable Privie Counfell, and with great courage hath offered himfelff
to tryell, and hath taken in hand verie hardelie to proofe that the man
was flaine be his takeris, and his kinfmen innocentlie flaine. The act is
foule in one of the pairties fyd, and I dowt not bot your Maieftie will
burdeine the Lordis of your Maiefties moft honorable Privie Counfell '
to try and punifche accordinglie. Bot this I will fay, I neuer hard any
offer themfelff to tryell with better courage and probabilitie of inno-
cencie. Bot that I refer to Godis wifdome to fearch, and to your
Maiefties wyfe dire6tioun, according to your power and incomparable
fkill whairwith God hath endowed your Maieftie. Thus I humbelie
befeech God to continow and increafe all bleflingis vpon your Maiefties
(acred perfon and eftate for euer. I reft,
Your Maiefties moft humble fubiect and ferviteur,
SaNCTANDROIS.
Edinburgh, 29 Maij 1612.
1 See Pitcairn's Criminal Trials, vol. iv. p. 231-232. In the same place will be found
a copy of the Submission betwixt George Earl of Caithness, Lord Beridaill his son, and
John Earl of Sutherland, dated 16th July 1G12, in reference to the dispute mentioned in
the immediately subsequent letter, No. CLXXYIL, of the Earl of Caithness.
288 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1612.
CLXXVIL— THE EARL OF CAITHNESS TO KING JAMES.
Most Grasius Soueren :
Pleife your mofl Sacared Maieftie, my moll humbill feruice
rememberd, becaufe the report uill cum to your 'Sacared Maiefties ciris
of the leatt accident fallen out in Cathnes ; my felfe, my eldeft fone and
brother, being vith me in Edinburgh, quhair off the aduerfar pairties in-
formatioune, all reddie gevein to the Counfell, perhaps vill cum to your
Hienes knaulage, I houp fall try far contrar to the verettie, at the day
appointed to that effect. In the mid tyme, I only humblie intret your
Sacared Maieftie to reft in fufpenfe quhill the laid day of tryell, and
thair efter to think of the forfaid accident according to the trouthe and
as I haiue informit my freindis, at grytter lenthe, of the veretie ; and if
it fall proue vtheruayis nor I haiue vryten to thame, your Maieftie fall
haiue my lyffe.
Your Maieftie rememberis of the decreit, gifin in your Hienes pre-
fenfe, aganeft the Erlle of Sutherlandes pretendit Regalettie : the pairtie
hes begune to feik redu6tioune of the Decreit pronounft. It may pleife.
your Maieftie to fignifie vnto the Advocat and Lordis off the Seffioune
quhat is your Hienes plefoure ; as alfo, quhow I fall cairie my felf in
defens of the fam, conforme to the quhilk and all vther thingis quhilk
tendis to your Maiefties fervice and obediense, in all humille deutie I
fall, God uilling, cairrie my felfe in all finferetie and deuotioune to my
lyfis end, praying to God for your Maiefties lange dayis and profperoufe
aftete. Yith al humiletie I end, and euer fall reft,
Your Maiefteis inoft humbill and obedient
fervant to the deithe,
Edinburgh, the laft off May 1612. Caithnes.
To his mofl Grafius Souerene the Kingis
mofl Exfelent Maieftie.
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 289
CLXXVIIL— THE BISHOP OF ORKNEY TO KING JAMES.
SlB,
May it pleafe your Sacred and gratious Majefte: The difloyall
difpofitione and doing of the Earll of Orcnay, Robert his bafe fone,
and Mr James his brother, withe their adherents, does inforce me
(thogth moft vnwilling in any cafe to truble your gratious Majefte),
bothe to wreet, and by my letter to prefent in moft humble maner, and
with all refpectiue fubmiffion, my informatioun and defyrs to your
Sacred Majefte.
The Earll, by his continuall directions, lies animated his fone, brother,
and feruants, to the number of fourfcoir perfons, to tak arms, to victuall
and furnifh the caftell, palace, and ftipill of Kirkwall, withe full purpofe
to hold the fam aganft your Majeftes authoritie, to impeid your feruic,
and refift your commiffioners. I acknowledg that I fould be very iniu-
rious to that nobill man, and to muche malapert to wreit fo to your
Majefte, if I wer not certanle informed bothe of the Earll his intention
and directions, by ane honorabill gentil man, the Laird of Buchanan, to
whome he vttered his mynd withe greater boldnes, and muche les
refpect, then becam his Lordfhip. As alfo, of the practifing of his fone,
brother, and feruantis, by ane declaration maid this fam day to my
Lord Chancellar, and fome others of your Majeftes honorabill Counfell,
by my Lord Earll of Cathnes, and by the teftimonies of diuers honelt
men who comes heer, fome cuerie week from Orcnay. •
The mater being weel knowen and aduyfedle pondered by my Lords
Chancellar and Aduocat, your Majeftes very wyfe and trufte Counfellars,
they haue thoght it fitt, for your Majeftes feruic, that I fould go, with
all poffible diligenc, to thofe Ifiands to pacifie the apperand troubles, to
fecur the fubiects, to arreft the Earll his moveable goodis, and to poffefs
your Majefte withe the fame and all other the annuellis whiche ar
yitt vnpayed be the tenentis.
And feing I am not only moft ftraitle bond, bot moft willingle affected
rather to hazard and profund any lyff, then to fee your Majeftes royall
2o
290 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1612.
authorite contemned, or to fuffer your godly and juft proiects tak any
robb or dafli, I will humble befeek —
1. That your gratious Majefte wold be pleafed to giue direction and
warrand, vnder your own hand, to Buchanan, now Capitan of Dum-
bartan, to clofe vp the Earll in his chamber, and that no man (fome on
or two feruandis excepted) haue accefs to him without warrant from the
Chancellar or Counfell. So my feruic fall- be facilitat, his pryd and
obftinacie abated, his contempt punifhed, his defignements croffed, the
courfe of his continuall directions to Orcnay flopped, and be moued to
furrender him felf and his wholl ftait to your Majeftes juft arbitre-
ment.
2. That your gratious Majefte wold be pleafed to command the
Counfell to modife his exorbitant expences, and to affur the Capitan
who furnifhes him of payment, ellis he will ftarue for hunger or fpend
with profufion.
3. That your gratious and facred Majefte wold be pleafed, eyther by
requeft, command, or commiffion, to employ the Earll of Cathnes in
that feruic, if need be, that I may be affifted, the countries quyeted, and
the rebells fubdued. His Lordfchip hes very francly offered this day
to my Lord Chancellar, and at all tymes to me, to do that feruic to
your Majefte, and wold be glaid to giue prooff of his loyall hart and
difpofition to your facred Majefte, in that or any other your Majefte
fall be pleafed to command his Lordfchip.
4. That your gratious and facred Majefte wold giue direction to my
Lord Chancellar to wreat to the Earll of Orcnay, willing him to wreat
to his fone and brother to abandon that countrey, to delyver the houfes
and all to your Majeftes Commiffioners, certifeing his Lordfchip and
them that they fall not be giltles of rebellion, nor vnpunifhed for it, if
any refiftanc be made : For the Earll hes faid, to Buchanan, that quhat-
foeuer fall be committed in Orcnay can not be imput to him in his
abfenc and ward.
Sir, I wold neuer, from my vnworthy bafnes, prefumed to haue
wreten fo long ane letter to your moft excellent Majefte, if the
neceffite and expedience of your feruice had not vrged and preffed
me, and the fincerite and briftnes of my hart to ferue your Majefte had
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 291
not raifed vp my confidenc both of pardon to my coa6led boldnes and
correction of any fait whiche hes efcaped me through ignoranc or incon-
fideration. And feing I fall endeavour, by God his grace, to approue my
felf in diligenc and fidelite (J will not fay wifdome, becaus it is fufEcient
for a faithfull feruant to haue a wyfe mafter), I will finifh this letter
with this laft humble petition refpe&ing your gratious Majeftes own
good.
That your gratious and facred Majefte will difpofe of nothing con-
cerning Orcnay or Zetland till it fall pleife God that I report agane to
your Majefte, by my felf or my letter, as your Majefte fall pleis to mak
cheyfe, the particular and trew information of the whole eftait of thofe
Iflands.
Bot referring and fubmitting humble all to your Majeftes great wif-
dom and good pleafure, I moft humble and affe&ionatlie kiffes your
Majeftes hand, praying God to defend and bliffe your Royall and facred
perfon and wholl gouernment from all euills and with all goods.
Your Majefties moft humble and fubiecl; and feruand,
Edinburgh 5 Junij 1612. Ja. B. of Orcads.
To the King his moft Excellent Majefte.
CLXX1X— THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious and Sacred Souerane,
Petitioun hes bene preferrit vnto ws be Thomas Watfoun, mer-
cheant burges of Edinburgh, proporting that he having thir diuers
yeiris bigane travellit to the Kingdome of Swaden, in his lauchfull
trade of merchandice, quhair ordinarlie he maid fale of his commodityis
to the King him felff, who ftandis debtfull to him be his laft yeiris compt
in fevin thoufand dolouris, to haif bene payit this yeir. He, to gett
payment of that fowme, addreft him felff to Swaden aboute Pafhe laft,
292 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1612.
haveing commiffioun lykewayes frome the Deane of Gild and Counfell
of Edinburgh, to buy vnto thame fo mutche tymmer as wald ferue for
thair New Kirk l in the Gray Freir yaird ; and arryveing at the porte
of Newliddus in Swaden, he thair boght his tymmer, ladnit twa fhippis
thairwith, and with fome otheris commodityis and wairis, and fend the
fame away towardis this your Maiefteis kingdome ; whilkis fhippis, being
vpoun thair deu courfe hither, wer perfewit, tane, and maid lauchfull
pryife be your Maiefteis darreft bruther the King of Denmark his
fhippis, vnder pretext of the weare betuix him and Swaden, whairof
this Petitionar declairit he wes ignorant, and his defire wes, that we wald
recommend him to your Maiefteis faid darreft Bruther for redres and
reftitutioun to be maid to him of his fhippis and goodis. This petitioun
being hard and confident be ws, we wald not prefome to deale thairin
with your Maiefteis faid darreft Bruther, hot in all reuerence hes referued
that vnto your Sacred Maiefteis felf, whofe tender cair and faderlie
regaird towardis all your Maiefteis diftreffit fubiedtis hes at euery inter-
vening occafioun kytheit fo pouerfull to thair exceiding grite confortis.
And thairfoir we wilbe bauld in all fubmiffioun to recommend this parti-
culair, and the preparatiue whilk may follow thairvpoun in the lyke
caife, to your Maiefteis graue and princelie confideratioun, that it wald
pleis your Sacred Maieftie,2 in your princelie wifdome, to tak fuche courfe
with your faid darreft Bruther, as this poore Petitionair may be redrefiit
and reftoirit to his fhippis and goodis ; and that no forder violence nor
harme be done to him, nor vtheris your Maiefteis fubie6tis, hanting
thair trade of mercheandice in the Kingdome of Swaden, bot that thay
may find and haif heirefter fuche fauourable and kynd vfage, with fuche
refpeciive confiderationis as the happy and bliffit allya betuix your
Sacred Maieftie and your faid darreft Bruther, and the brotherlie and
goode correfpondence whilk your Maieftie hes inviolablie keept with him
doeth require. And fo craving pardoun for this our prefumptioun, and
1 Afterwards called the Old Grayfriars Church, a second church having been added
in 1718, when part of the former " was blown up by gunpowder, belonging to the Town,
which had been lodged in the steeple." — (Arnot's Hist, of Edinburgh, p. 272.)
3 A note upon this letter states, that " His Majestie, according to the desire of this
letter, hath written to the King of Demnarke by Sir Thomas Lake."
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 293
praying God to bliffe your Maieftie with a lang, liappie, and profperous
reignn, we reft for ever,
Your Maiefteis moft humble and obedyent fubiectis and fervitouris,
Jo. Prestoun. Al. Cancells.
T. Balfour. Glasgow.
E. Cokbdene. Scone.
Edinburgh, 20 Junij 1612. Blantyre.
To the King his moft Sacred and Excellent Maieftie.
CLXXX.— SIR ALEXANDER HAY OF NEWTON TO KING JAMES.
Moste Gratious and Dreade Soverayne,
According to direclioun, immediatlye vpoun my arryvall heir, I
delyuered to the tuo Archbifhoppis, being together, the draught of the
Confeflioun of Faithe, wheranent they ar to wryte, and fend vp there
owne opinions. For my owne pairte, I do fkairfe think that it can be
ather added to, or altered to the better, haveing alreddy abidden fuiche
a tuich-ftone ; but leaving the Divines to there owne fun&ioun, I wes
the more vnhable to yield thame fatisfa6lioun in there doubtes, when
the fame wer referved wp from me.
Anent the keiping of the Parliament,1 I haif acquainted the Arch-
bifhoppis therewith, as in lyike fort the Chancellour, haveing fhewin no
caufe thereof, bot the aid of remanding; and therewith to my Lord
Chancellour only as yit, the courfe to be takin thereat for fome fupplye
to my Lady Elizabethis marriage. In thefe few vnto whome it is alreddy
impairted, I do find contrarye opinionis both of allowing and difproveing
the holding of it ; bot heirof your Maieftie is to be certified at more
lenth by nixt packett.
1 The Parliament was held October 1612, and an Act passed agreeing to " the volun-
tar offer of a taxatioun, maid to his Majestie," of L.240,000 Scots, on occasion of the
marriage of his daughter the Lady Elizabeth. — (Acta Pari. Scot., vol. iv. p. 478.)
294 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1G12.
Anent Excommunicat Noblemen, and the advertifment which fuld haif
bein fince fent to your Maiellie anent thame, Glafgow dothe excuife him
felf, in fo far as both thefe Noblemen ar within St Androis his province.
The other layeth the blame vpoun the Bifhoppis who wer employed in that
fervice ; alwayes he hathe vndertakin, that if it be not alreddy done, that
it falbe performed with fpeid. In this bufynefs betwix my Lord Cham-
berlyne and Coldenknowis, I have written to my Lord Fentoun at lenth
all difficultyes which I do find therin, being afeard if I fuld haif con-
teyned thame in this fame letter, and rather referring it to his difcre-
tion, to be impairted to your Maieftie at your Highnes beft leafure.
No packett fall runne,1 bot your Maieftie fall vnderftand of my difcharge
of fome pairte of my laidening, untill I do cleare myfelf, difburdeyned
of whatevir is within my Inftrudtionis conteyned ; wherein, I do humblye
entreate your Maiefties pardoun, if, in doing thereof, I fuld the more
frequentlye wryite. And wifhing from God the daylie increafe of your
Maielties health and happynes, I humblye kifs your facred hand, and
reftis,
Your Maiefties moft humble and dewtifull fubiect and fervant,
Edinburgh, 4 July [1612.] Alex". Hay.
CLXXXL— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KLKG JAMES.
Mast Gratious Soveraigne,
As it hes pleafed your Maieftie to direct me, and my Lord your
Maiefties Secretarie, for advyftng anent our affairs to be handeled in this
approaching Parliament : So happilie did I find him and my Lord of
Glafgow both in this town, and conveened them both immediatlie after
my arriving ; and with good advyfement we haue made choyce of thofe
things which ar moft neceffarie, and haue omitted thofe articles which
1 At this time Hay still held the office of Secretary of State: see note to next .page.
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 295
might feame to cary invy or fufpition, or which your Maieftie, by your
Royall authoritie, might performe be your felf. Bot we all hold fait the
conclufion, that it is moft neceffarie and convenient, both for your
Maiefties fervice and weill of the Church, that the day, viz. the 12 of
October, fhall hold precifelie, to the which the Parliament was proclaim-
ed upon the 24 of this inftant. I will affure your Maieftie, that the
verie evill will which is caryed to my Lord Chancelar, be the Nobilitie
and people, is lyke to make ws great ftore of freindfchip, for they know
him to be our profeffed enemie, and he diffembles it not. I thank God
that it pleafed your Maieftie to make choyce of my Lord Secretare1 to
be our formalift and advyfer of our acts, for we find him wyfe, faft, and
fecret. We fhall not be idle in the meane tyme to prepare fuch as haue
vote to incline the right way.2 All men do follow us, and hunt for our
favour, vpon the report of your Maiefties good acceptance of me and the
Bifchop of Caithnes, and fending for my Lord of Glafgow, and the pro-
curement of this Parliament without advyfe of the Chancelor ; and if your
Maieftie will continue thefe fhyning beames and fhowres of your Maief-
ties favour, doutles the verie purpofe that feames moft difhcill wil be
facilitate to your Maiefties great honor and our credite, which, if it wer
greater nor it is, your Maieftie could reffave no intreffe ; for befides,
that no Eftate can fay that they ar your Maiefties creatures as we may
fay, fo there is none whofe ftanding is fo flipperie when your Maieftie
fhall frowne, as we, for at your Maiefties nodd we either moft ftand or
fall. Bot we refer the more ample declaration of thefe purpofes, and
other points of your Maiefties fervice, to the fufficiencie of my Lord of
Glafcow, and my good Lord Secretar, the fourtenth Bifchop of this
kingdome : Bot my Lord of Glafcow and I ar contending to which of
the two Provinces he fhall apperteane : Your Maieftie, who is our great
Archbifchop, muft decyd it. Thus, efter my moft humble and hartie
thanks for your Maiefties good acceptance and gratious difpatch laitlie,
1 Sir Thomas Hamilton, afterwards Lord Binning, and Earl of Haddington. He had
been received as Clerk-Register, in May 1612 ; but before the date of this letter, he had
exchanged his office with Sir Alexander Hay of Newton for that of Secretary of State.
* At this Parliament, the Acts and Conclusions of the General Assembly held at Glas-
gow in June 1610 were ratified.
296 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1612.
which hes filled the eares of all this kingdome, I befeech God to heap
vpon your Maieftie the plentie of all fpirituall and temporall bleffings
for ever. I reft,
Your Maiefteis moft humble fubiect and fervitour,
Edinburgh, the laft of Auguft 1612. Sanctandrois.
CLXXXII.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS AND THE BISHOP OF
CAITHNESS TO JOHN MURRAY.
Honourable Sir,
Efter my hartlie commendatiouns, I haue fene the kynd letter
that ye fent to the Bifchope of Caithnes, and according thairto, we haue
fpokin with my Lord of Glafgow, who hes maid his excufe to ws, that
he never menid bot that ye fould remane our Agent and Mediatour
with the Kingis Maieftie, and that Sir James Sempill fould only be the
receaver of our letters: Alwayis we think that ye may be fund more
conftantlie about the King than he. We haue gewin ane commiffion to
my Lord of Glafgow that he fould move the Kingis Maieftie to burdene
yow off new with the agencie of our affairis, for the quhilk I will affure
yow of loue and thankfulnes. Bot I refer more full declaratioun of
thofe matters to the fufficiencie of my Lord of Glafgow, the bearar
heirof ; and efter my humble prayeris to God for the Kingis faiftie and
prefervation, I alfo wifhe that ye far well in the Lord. So I reft,
Your loving and affured brother,
Sanctandrois.
Edinburgh, the laft of Auguft 1612. Al. B. Cathnes.
Sir,
I befeche yow1 remember the yung man, Walter Finlafoun,
1 This postscript is added by the Archbishop himself.
%
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 297
qukome I recommendit to yow, of quhom ye alfo male mentioun in your
letter to my Lord of Cathnes, for the quhiche I geve vnfained and
hartie thankis.
To the worfchipfull and our loving freind,
Johne Murrey, one of his Majefties bedchamber.
CLXXXni.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gkatious Soutjerain:
May it pleife your moft Excellent Maieftie to remember, that I
haue once or twyce maid mentioun to your Maieftie of my fone-in-law,
the Commiffer of San6tandrois, quho now hes bene thefe two yeirs
Re&or in the Uniuerfitie;1 and, as I fhew your Maieftie, hes exercifed
ane publick profeffioune in the Cannon Law ordinairly heir, without onie
gages, only for your Majefties honour, and his honeft inclinatioune to
learning; and thairby, and be his publick difputations, as my Deput
Vice Chanceller, hes conqueiffed to himfelf fuche ane reputatioune as all
learned and verteous men regraits that his learning and raire vertews
fould not reffave ane illuftre and fenfible promotioune. I muft fay, that
nixt the promotioune of Mr William Oliphant2 to be your Majefties
Advocat, ther is none that will better lyke your people, not only for his
learning (quhich in his profeffioune is inferiour to none), but alfo for his
great integritie and aefaldnes in his judicatorie, and the whole tennor of
his lyfe. His freinds have delt with my Lord of Tungland3 for dimif-
fione of his rowme in Seffioune, quho is content to dimitte it, that fuch
ane worthie man may be his fucceffour ; and as that auncient Senatour
1 Mr John Wemyss of Craigton : He was Rector of the University of St Andrews in
the years 1611 and 1612.
s Mr, afterwards Sir William Oliphant of Newton had been appointed, in June 1612,
Lord Advocate, in place of Sir Thomas Hamilton, Clerk Register.
• Mr William Melvill, Commendator of Tungland, was brother to the first Lord Mel-
vill. This supplication by the Archbishop of St Andrews in favour of his son-in-law
being raised to the bench proved at this time unsuccessful. Melvill died 3d October
1613. — (Conf. Test. Commissariot of Edinburgh.)
2 p
298 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1612
is ane confcientious man, fo he efteemis ane greit releif to his con-
fidence, that he ftaiks fo weil his place in his awne tyme : bot nather
will the cedent overgiue, nor the apparent fucceffour wndertak the bar-
gain, vnleffe it pleafe your moft gratious Maieftie to allowe of both. So,
if it pleafe your Maieftie to accept this gentleman to enter in that
rowme of your Maiefties feruice, the block will hold, and he with his
freinds will fatisfie my Lord of Tungland for his kyndnes of the rowme ;
and wtherwayis, vpon your Maiefties declaratioune, they ar to furceaffe,
and to awaytte on ane better occafioune, as your Maieftie fall think fitte.
This is nothing, Sire, diffonant from the firft Inftitutioune of the College
of Juftice, for this gentleman is ane Ecclefiaftick Judge, and fo hes bene
there foure yeirs bygone. He is the Re6tor and Vice Chanceller of your
Maiefties cheif Vniuerfitie heir, and ane Profeffour of ane Theologick
profeffione, and fo I think little or no derogatioune maid to that funda-
tioune, as your Maieftie knowis. He heth, Sire, fo weill merited, in dif-
cuffing your Maiefties prerogative Royal, cheifly in matters Ecclefiafti-
call, and the power of Bifchops in Church governement (quhairanent
heirafter alfo he may doe gude feruice) that it befeemeth ws all to
aduance him, and thanke him to our vttermoft powers ; I darre not be
fo bold as to direct your Maieftie for refpeccl; to me, your Maiefties old
fervand, to accompt fomequhat better of him, quhome, I proteft befor
God, I fould never haue recommendit to your Maieftie, wer not I am
affured that your Maieftie will have be him gude fervice, and the lyking
of your people: Thus referring to the fufficiencie of the berar, your
Maiefties old, forward and faithful fervand, quhome your Maieftie will
pleafe heare, and therefter, be your Maiefties awne wreit or wtherwayis,
declaire your Maiefties gratious will in this and fome wther Churche
matters, I befeech God to continowe his faving and healthful protec-
tioune vpon your Maiefties facred perfoune and royal governement for
euer. And I reft,
Your Maiefties moft obedient fubjecl; and fervand,
Sanctand. 23 September 1612. Sanctandrewks.
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 299
CLXXXIV.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO JOHN MURRAY.
Worshipful Sir and Loving Brother,
Since we gaue commiffione to my Lord of Glafgo to deale with
his Maieftie for hurdening yow with our affaires, as wes firft intendit,
I wald verrie earneftly knawe of yow quhat he hath wrocht in that
turne, quhiche wes delyvered to him be the whole Eftate of the Prelats.
I muft relye vpon your credite for furdering the berar both to prefence
of his Maieftie, and to quicke difpatche ; for, as for me, the kyndnes
that I bear to yow fall die with my felf, lyk as I knawe your conftant
honeftie and treuthe, quhich no man mifknawis quho knawis yow.
Thus, efter my verrie hairtly commendations to gude, kynd Robert Hay,
and to Sir Robert Dowglas, I wifhe yow to fare weill in the Lord ;
referring to the berar, and reft,
Your affured loving brother to the end,
Sanctandrois.
Sanctandrois, 23 September 1612.
To the richt worfhipful Jhone Murraye,
groome of his Maiefties chalmer, Thefe.
CLXXXV.— MEMOIRIS TO BE IMPAIRTED TO HIS SACRED MAD2STIE.
Pleis his Maieftie to figne ane Acl; to be maid in this Parliament
for incorporatioun of Quhitterne, Glenlufs, and Tungland, in the patri-
monie of the Bifchoprik of Galloway, refervand the lyfrent of Mr Wil-
liam Melvill.
That it will pleis his Maieftie to figne ane fignatour of the faid Abacie
of Tungland in favouris of the faid Bifchope.
That his Maieftie will command Sir Robert Gordoun to defift frome
300 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1612.
his intruifit poffeffioun, quhilk he hes takin, induring the vacance of the
benefice.
That fince his Sacred Maieftie wnderftandis that the umquhile Lord
Sanquhar had forcit the perfones of Kynnowle to fet to him the teindis
thereof vpOne fie fmall conditiouns as ar not able to fuftene the Mini-
fterie thair — Thairfoir, that he quhome his Maieftie fall pleis to defigne
to be Lord Sanquhar, may be commandit to gif affurance of ane fufficient
provifioun for that Kirk, be the ficht and decree of the Archebifchope
of St Androis, quha is ordinar of the fame.
Sanctandkewis.1
CLXXXVL— MR PETER BRUCE, PRINCIPAL OF ST LEONARD'S COL-
LEGE, ST ANDREWS, TO SIR JAMES SEMPDLL.
Rtcht Honorabill,
Vnderftanding that Mr James Scot, my very gud freind, and
fpeciall weil willar off our College off St Leonardis, quhairin your
Worfhip wes fumtyme a fcoler,2 had writtin to yow requefting yow maift
eafniftly to interpone your credit att his Majefties hand for purchafing
ane mandat to the Lordis off this inftant Parliament, to pas ane A6t
confavit in favour off our College, the copie quhairoff I vnderftand he
hes fend to yow and my Secretarie his Deput : itt contenis na thing
ather prejudiciall to any man, or quhilk we have nott by his Maiefties
awin gift alreddy, albeit nott be fie fufficient rycht as I wald, quhairfor
I doubt nott bot his Majeftie fall pas itt with out any difficultie, giff ye
fall interpone your credit, quhairto I will requeft yow maift effectuoufly,
baith for the gud will yow carie to this College, and for quhat fumevir
pleafure or fervice fall ly in my power in any tyme heirefter.
Further, lett itt pleafe yow to refave ane copie off ane Oratione had
att our laft Maifteris making, be a young man that is my brother-german,
and Regent off our College ; quhairin, according to his fkill and fchortnes
1 Indorsed — " Memoiris to his Sacrid Maiestie : Derectit the 23 Sept. 1612."
* Sir James Sempill of Beltrees took his Master's degree at St Leonard's College, St
Andrews, in 1581-2.
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. v 301
off tyme quhilk he had to meditat itt, for itt wes not eight dayis, he preffit
to ftir up the Vniverfitie to a thankfull remembrans off his Majefties
liberalitie toward them in furnifing thair Bibliothek with fie ftoir off buikis,
and to fett furthe his Majefties prais 1 as that tyme culd permitt. Becaus
this wes fpokin with fum applaus, I tuik a copie off itt, and reviffit itt
agane, as ye may fee, and caufed mend rather the flips off the writter
nor the author, bot I culd nott get itt wrettin over agane, becaus the
beararis cuming to yow ward cam very laitly to my knawlege, quhairfor
I pray yow pas the blotis in gud part, and to tak the panis to reid itt,
and giff ye find any pairtis thairoff worthie off his Majefties earis, that
ye wald reid them to him ; for giff he lyk off itt, ye fall the mair eafely
obtein our fuit ; and however he think off itt, itt will mak him vnder-
ftand quhat is my affection, and the reft off my collegis, to his Majefties
fervice, and clofs his earis aganis fum calumnies that may perhapis cum
to them, for quha wantis ewill willaris ? Thus ye fee how bald I am
with yow vpon na defert off myne, yea, fcairs vpon acquentans ; for that
quhilk fum tyme wes, long tyme hes almaift worne itt away ; bot
your fame that ye ar a weilwiller off all honeft men (in the number off
quhilk I wald fain be), and the defyre I haue to approve my felff to
yow, and to ferve yow in quhatever lyis in my power, makis me as giff
I wer your familiar and benefactor, thus hamely to burden yow rather
then any vther, notwithftanding I have na fcairftie off freindis and gud-
willaris att court that wald glaidly be imployit be me in any fie ado off
myne ; quhairfor I doubt nott ye will fatiffie my defyre the mair glaidly,
as ye fall find me evir reddy to requyt your kyndnes, giff in deid I may
nott yet be a thankfull remembrans, and defyre to lett yow vnderftand
how far I think me oblift to yow. Sa repofing vpon your gud will, I
reft,
Your ~W. ever to be commandit to power,
St Androwis, September 23, 1612. M. Peter Bruce.
1 Mr Andrew Bruce. In " The Muses Welcome to the King's Majestie," in 1617,
" Andreas Brusius, Philos. Prof.," addressed 22 lines to the King, " De Bibliotheca a
Sereniss. Rege Jacobo Andreapoli erecta," &c. He succeeded as Principal of St Leonard's
College, in 1630 ; and died " of the pest," in 1647 — (Baillie's Letters, vol. iii. "p. 6.)
302 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1612.
CLXXXVIL— MR WILLIAM COWPER, MINISTER OF PERTH, TO
KING JAMES.
Most worthie King and Gratious Soveraigne,
As it is not the dewtie of ony fubiect wittinglie to reft vnder your
Hienes mifcontentment, fo farre les do I think it myne, to quhom your
Maieftie hes alwaie bene ane Abimelech indeed, that is, both a father
and a King. Quhat myne enemies mifreported of me I knew not, till
my Lord of Scone informed me. Of him I learned that I am accufed of
fpeaches quhilk I never vttered ; for how ever in your Hienes prefence I
wes wont freelie [to] vtter my weak iudgment in fie Church matters as
then wer difputed, yet, in your Maiefties abfence, he hues not can charge
me with ony word, privat or public, other then favored of a dewtifull
affection toward your Hienes, quhairin I dar appeale all that ever heard
me : and as for my deedis, I wifh my vnfreindis wold beare witnes for
quhilk of thame it is they wold ftone me out of your Maiefties gratious
remembrance. I haue, in our moft public afTemblies, affirmed that of your
Maieftie, quhilk Jeremie fpak of his king : " Ye ar the breath of our
noftthrilles." Your Hienes life mony tyme hes bene perfequuted for loue
of that truth quhilk we preach. Quho then can think that your Maief-
tie wold deftroy that religion for quhilk your Grace hes bene fo oft in
danger of death ; or quhat is he, that knowes his dewtie to God, can
willinglie be vndewtifull to your Maieftie ? But now, Sir, fie is the
change of our brethrens difpofition (Tome of thame) that we can not in
the meekeft manner exhort thame to temperance of life, to reteyne the
old Ecclefiaftique governament, and content thame felues with that
quhilk your Hienes and Generall Affemblie hes geven thame, but vpon
this ftill we ar accufed, as vndewtifull fubiectis to your Maieftie ; and
quhat other vnfreindis I haue for other refpectis, I am not ignorant.
Thus ftand I a loffer at all handis, being of fome hated alreadie for
dewtifull fervice to your Hienes, if I be alfo caften of be your Maieftie,
through vndeferved accufations of others. I will therefore humblie
craue that your Hienes facred eare may be to me a citie of refuge
againft all their perfequuting calumnies, and that your Hienes wold
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 303
remember the prooffes of my gud fervice done quhen ever I might have
occafion ; not reffaue mifreports of my evill willers. For other things,
I fay with Mephibofeth, " Seing my Lord the King is in peace, preferved
from his enemies, let my Ziba (quhofoever he be) brook not onlie the
half, but the haill of all quhatfoeuir the King hes geven me. Let the
favour of the Lord compaffe yow for ever as a fheild from the malice of
your Hienes enemies, and contentions of the people, and let their faces
be couered with fhame that fekis to bring your Honour to the duft."
The Lord preferve your Maieflie long to regne over vs.
Your Hienes loving and humble fubiect.
Mr William Cowper,
Minifter at Perth.1
To the King his molt Excellent Maieftie.
CLXXXVIIL— ME ANDREW BOYD, MINISTER OF EAGLISHAM, TO THE
ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW.
My VER1E HONORABLE GOOD LoRD,
I haue feene your Lordfhip's letter, bearing your motion to his
Majeftie anent that vacant roume of Argyle2 in my favouris, and his
Majefties good and gratious mynd toward me. What am I, or what is
in me, to procure fuch royall favour ? The report wherof not onlie ani-
mates me to fufcept the ftate I never wiffit nor thought of, but after
moft humble thanks to his Majeftie, to multiplie my former fupplica-
tions for lenth of day is, and indurancie of his Majefties throne for ever,
as alfo, in that fervice to be carefull of the houfe of God, and obedience
to all imployments of my moft gratious Prince in all matters concern-
ing fpirituall or ciuil Republique. Bot leaueing this to the prouidence
1 He was made Bishop of Galloway in the year 1614.
2 The Bishop of Argyle died of a cancer in his face, about the middle of January
1613.— (Calderwood's History, vol. vii. p. 176.)
304 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1613.
of the Moft High, I call your Lordfhip to mynd of my laft letter, eiking
this much therunto, that ye never faint in the good caufe, hot now moil
courageouflie fetting your felf againft Papifts and facrilegious perfons,
the eyes of all men being vpon your Lordfhip at this tyme, and faying,
Aut nunc aut nunquam, and fo fay I. Giff your Lordfhip returne with
fucceffe, a certaine difcouragement to all enemies heir to God and our
King. If not, I look for nothing hot increas of idolatrie, occafions of
all devilifh machinations againft his Majeftie, with contempt of the Spi-
rituall eftate in all ranks. Do ye fear any man being in favour witli
your Prince ? I haue fhewed your Lordfhip many a tyme, be word and
writt, how I haue wiffed thir maters to come about. Ye know what I
meane. I ceafe with this memoriall. Gif at this tyme Confternatus
chance not vpon the bueft of gold, Sigifmundus fhall yett be Liberalis,
albeit Confternatus be yett Infortunatus. Bot what mater of your Lord-
fhip's infortuna, if in the valubrie therof wer not a greater iactura, which
I pray God that his Majeftie, qui solus potest, et primus periclitatur, may
attend vnto.
Your Lordfhip's, with fervice,
12 February 1613.1 A. Botd.
CLXXXIX.— THE BISHOP OF MURRAY TO KING JAMES.
Sacred Soverane,
It may pleas your moft Gratious Majefty : I am ewerie Seffioun
heir trubled be the Lord Spynie and his Curatours for that ten thou-
fand merkis, fo that I am now almoft exhaufted, and lies fkars moyen to
mantein my felff fo oft in Edinburgh to defend the caus, far les able to
pay that dett, and vilbe forcit betyme to reteir my felff, and nocht to
appeir to do your Maiefties fervice, vnles your Hienes accuftomed mife-
1 From an old transcript, among Calderwood's MS. collections, by mistake dated
1G12. It is marked on the back, " To Glasgow : Spotiswood."
1613.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 305
record prowyd tymoufly for me. I haiff fett doun fum fchort Petitions
in a by-fcheet off papar, quhilkis I moft humblye intreat your Majefty
to grant and caus be directed, with quhat farder your Majeftes moft
accomplifched wifdome and compaffioun fall think more expedient for
vpbolding me, your Hienes poore creature, from utter ruine.
The Commiffioners of Peace hes done your Majefty goode fervice
within the boundis off Murraye, and may do goode fervice giff thay
keipit thair meetingis. They ar becum fumquhat more cauld and more
cairles. Your Majeftes letter is moft neceffar to valkin thame, with
promes of your Majeftes favour, and vthervayes that your Majefty will
nocht account tham dewtifull. The nummer is greit, and the Keiper off
the Rolls1 is aged, and vnable to do your Majeftes fervice. Off this I
thocht it goode to giff your Majefty advertifement.
Thus in all humility and fervencye off fpirit, fending vp my continuall
prayaris for the perpetuall increfche off your Majeftes happie ftate, in all
profperitye and triumphe our all your Majeftes enemies, I befeitche the
Kyng off Kynges and Lord off Lordes to preferve your moft excellent
Majefty heir and eternallye.
Your moft excellent Majeftes moft humill, obedient,
and moft affectionat fervitour,
Al. B. off Murraye.
To his Sacred Majeftie,
My moft Gratious Souerane.
CXC PETITIONS OF THE BISHOP OF MURRAY TO KING JAMES.
That your Majefty wilbe pleafed to wrett to my Lord Chancelar
to deale earniftlye with the Earlis off Mortoun and Kyncorne to ceafe
and defift from all furder perfuit of the Bifchope off Murraye be law,
till your Hienes farder plefour be known, or your Maieftes new direc-
1 The Laird of Duffus : see next page.
2q
306 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1013.
tions ; or that the hole mater may be referrit be both parties to your
Majefty : and to this effect, that no forder proces off law proceid till
Maij nixt.
That ane letter be direct to the two Erls of Mortoun and Kyncorne
to the famin purpofe ; requyring thame, that thay will ceafe from all
furder perfewing off the B. off Murraye, or, that thay will fubmitt the
famin to your Majeftie ; and in the meane tyme, that all proces off law
continew till Maij next.
That ane letter be direct to my Lord Secretar, to concur with my
Lord Chancelar in that famin matter.
That your Hienes will giff direction in wrett to the Thefaurer Deputt
to grantt the gifft off the Lord Spynies efcheat to any quhom the Bif-
choppe of Murraye fall choofe, and till the faid B. be fecured of that
hole action, and that no part off the faid efcheat be difponit in favouris
of the Lord Spynie or any off his freyndis, till your Majefty be fatiffeit
anent the ceaffing of all action aganis the B. off Murraye.
That directioun be giffin for reviling of the names off the Commif-
fioners off Peace within the boundis off Murraye, that the nummer be
retrenchit, and the rolls giffin to fum man more fitt and convenient :
the Laird Duffus1 being now aged and feiklye.
Your Majeftes moft obedient fervitour,
That your Majesty will direct ten letters Al. B. OFF MuRRAYE.
to severall Barons, moving thame to plant
thair churches, leaving thame vndirected on
the bak : And ane to the Erie off Murraye.
CXCL— HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
Right traift Coufmgis and Counfellours, and right truftie and
weilbelouit, We great yow weill : We remember that We gave content-
ment and fatiffactioun to the late Lord of Spynie out of our awin
1 William Sutherland of Duffus : he died in March 1G1C.
1613.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 307
cofferis for his furrender of the landis and kirkis quhilkis he held of the
Bifhoprik of Murray. And he made Ws to beleve that he refted con-
tented, and that he wes to exact no furder frome thefe quhome We wer
to prefer to that benefice. Neuirtheles, being informed that the faid
Lord, concealing the courfe quhilk We tuik with him in that erand, he
made the prefent Bifchope of Murray to giff him a band for payment
of the foume of Ten thoufand merkis to one Mr David Symmer (quhais
name he borrowit to that band), before he wald oniewyes fecure him in
the landis and teindis of the faid Bifchoprick : Quhilk foume being
conditionat to haue bene payit at certane termes and feuerall propor-
tiounes, the faid Bifchop made trew payment of certane yeiris propor-
tionate. And efter the faid Lordis deceas, he tranfactit and aggreit
with this Lord Spynies vncle and tutour in his name for the remanent
proportiones of the enfewing yearis for a certane foume of money payit
in hand, quhairvpoun he reffauit a full difcharge of the faid band frome
the faid Mr David Symmer, in quhais name the fam wes conceaved.
And althocht both We and the faid Bifchope hes bene in this poynt
circumvenit, and that the Bifchop hes made payment to the Tutour in
this Lord Spynies name of the foume off fyve thoufand merkis, in the
fex hundreth and fevin year of God, the annuel quhairoff wald or now
have compleitlie payit the haill ten thoufand merkis and more, quhairas
it wes nevir Our mynd that he fuld have payit ane pennye ; yit is he
ltill diftreffit for the fame caus be the faid Lord Spynie, vpon ane pre-
tendit affignatioun made to him of the faid band be Mr David Symmer,
as is weill knawin vnto yow by deduclioun of the proces depending
thairvpoun. The confideratioune quhairoff moved Ws to difpone to the
faid Bifchope the gift of that ten thoufand merkis fallin in Our handis ;
quhairin, as We vnderftand, thair is fum oppofitioune made to the faid
Bifchope, vnder a cullour of ane anteriour gift purchefit of the faid
Lord Spynies lyverent by Our privitye and knawledge : And quhairas
both the giftes ar be way of a<5tioun to be prefentit to your confidera-
tiounes, We have heirby thocht meit to acquant yow with the policie
and circumventioun vfeit in this buffines, and thairwithall to fignefie
vnto yow that it is Our expres will and plefour, that Our gift grantit to
the Bifchope of Murray vpoun that ten thoufand merkis fall Hand in
308 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1618.
force, and that he fall haue proces before yow thairvpoun without
refpecl; of the vther. For fence "We, out of Our awin cofferis, have
weill payit for this furrender made be the faid Lord of Spynie vnto him,
We will not be abufed in that poynt, and fuffer the faid Lord to exact
double fatiffadtioun. And thairfore, willing you to conforme your felffis
to Our will and plefour in this mater, quhilk We will juftiefie to be
aggreable to equitie and juftice, AYe bid yow fareweill.1
CXCIL— MR SAMUEL COCKBUEN OF TEMPLE TO KING JAMES.
Sir,
Your Sacred Maieftie, of your accuftomit gratius fauor ordenar-
lie extendit touards all your faithful fubiectis, whereof in my awne
particuler I haue had fo manie teftemonies, will excufe my bauldnes at
this tym, forfit be fome neceffitie, if I prefume to interrupt your
Maiefteis more ferius and weghtie effeares with the reading of this my
humble petitione. Your Maieftie, of your gratius and princelie libera-
litie, for my great peans beftowet in your Maiefteis feruice heir in this
cuntrie, and dyuers woyages to your Court, grantit wnto me a gift of
the efcheatis of all fuch as wer put to the home for not confirming of
Teftamentis, wherevith the Bifhopis, finding them felues fomewhat in-
tereft in there particuler, dealt with your Maieftie for the benefeit
thereof, and with me for my good will ; which, whane I knew to be
agreable to your Maiefteis plefur, wpon fome conditions I yealdit wnto.
Bot now, of leat, when the Bifhopis wer about to haue there gift con-
firmit, be your Maiefteis Counfel and Officers of your Steat in this King-
dome, thay fand the mater of fuch importance, and fo preiudiciall to
your Maiefteis regal authoritie and pouer heir, that in no ways could
there graue wifdoms be mouet to affent therto, but to fignifie the im-
portance and weght of that buffines to your Maiefteis felfe to determine
therevpon. Wherby the houp of that recompence of my feruice is alto-
1 Indorsed, — " The copie of the Letter to be brocht down from Court."
1613.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 309
gider takin from me, and I compelit to haue recourfe to your Maiefteis
princelie and gratius fauor. It lies plefit your Sacred Maieftie to imploy
me in fome charges heir of great peane and trauel, without any profeit,
and fubiect to the envye of the greateft, which, notwithstanding in
refpect of your Maiefteis feruice, I did neuer regard : I take your
Maiefteis whol Counfel to record of my behauiour and peans in dif-
chargin therof. And my efteat wer fuch as might wnderly this burdin
without my vter overthrow, I wauld be forie to importune your gratius
Maieftie, and principallie at fuch a tyme. And fo referring the trew
report heirof to your Maiefteis graue and wyfe Counfel, your Maiefteis
Trefurer-Deputie, who knawes the whol fteat and Counfelis mynd theron,
I in al humilitie, with my erneft prayer for your Sacred Maieftie and
Royel efteat, fhal ever remane,
Your Sacred Maiefteis moft lovel and faithful fubiedt,
Samuel Cokburne.1
To the King his Sacred Maieftie.
CXC1IL— THE BISHOP OF ABERDEEN TO KING JAMES.
Pleas your most Excellent Majestie :
The Lord Elphingftoun vpon ane Infeftment purcheft from your
Majeftie of the patronage of the Kirkis of Logie Mar, Glenbuchett,
Kildrymmie, and Cabrothe (having formerlie bene the common Kirkis
of this Cathedrall of Aberdene), did then acquire tackis alfo of the
teyndis of the faidis Kirkis ; and nochtheles did never vrge farder nor
the auld accuftumat deutie ; Bot now efter the reftitutioun of the
Bifchoprickis be your Majeftie, and Actis of your Hienes Parliament,
1 This letter has been placed erroneously, by Sir James Balfour, among the Original
Letters, under June 1614, as Cockburn died in March that year. In June 1609, an Act
was passed, giving the Commissariot and Jurisdiction to the Prelates ; but this letter has
no doubt a reference to some arrangement of a subsequent date.
310 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1613.
the faid Lord Elphingftoun, dealland powerfullie with thcfe of the Hie
Commiffioun, procures by thair actis, chargis of horning aganes me for
ratefeing both of patronage and tackis to him of the faid Kirkis ; Vpon
fear whairof, and obedience to your Majefties lawis, efter fuirtie tane of
fum meane mantenance for fervice of the cuir of the faidis Kirkis as
might be had, togidder with my Lord Elphingftounes pronieis, for
eafing of the heretouris by tackis, to mak out the faid provifioun, I was
then forced to pas the faidis tackis, and allow the faid patronage, fair
aganes my awin hart, and without any fatiffactioun, as vfe is, for the
faidis benefitts. Notwithftanding, thinking him felff fecured of the faidis
teyndis in fuche forme acquired, fome of the heritours within the
parochines of the faidis Kirkis hes hewilie menit thame felffis to me
and my acceffouris, and does complane that with all regour and extre-
mitie he baith perfewis thame, and intendis to vplift thair teyndis
aganes the faid promefed eafe, whairby they fear ather to be forced to
ouytt thair rowmes to him, or at leaft to mak thame waft as a forreft,
to thair vtter vndoing and putting of mony puir faullis vnder thame to
begrie, who were wount to leiwe (althought meanlie) in thefe Hieland
boundis. Quhilk dealing being mater of great greiff to me, and fcan-
dale to our Kirk, and harme to this cuntrie, both in the felff, and in the
evill preparatiwe, wald hawe bene fufficient occaffioun to hawe enforced
me to travell to lie your Maiefties face anes befoir I die, gif not my auld
aige onlie, bot alfo my painfull difeafe in my feitt this yeir did not
neceffarlie lett and flay me. Whairfor prayes your moft excellent
Maieftie, according to your Hienes rair and Angular wifdome, to pro-
vyde and fend remeid heirto. So praying the Almightie God to grant
your Maieftie a longe, happie, and profperous regne ower ws. Reftis,
as I think to die,
Toure Maiefties maift humill fervitour and daylie orator,
P. Biscuop of Abirdein.
Aberdene, 1 June 1G13.
To the Kingis moft Excellent Maieftie.
1613.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 311
CXCIV THE ARCHBISHOPS OF ST ANDREWS AND GLASGOW TO
KING JAMES.1
Most Graciotjse Soveraigne,
We refavit your Maieflies letter for fufpending the excommuni-
catioun of the Marques of Huntley, in regard of his fatiffactioun gifin to
your Maieftie, and his promife to communicat at his return to Courte.
Sir, twiching this, we haif done al that we can ; fince the tym your
Maieftie firft requyrit ws to gif hiin conference, his excommunicatioun
hes ben in effect fufpendit, and no man debarrit from acceffe to him.
Now fence your Maieftie defyres to haif him communicat thair, and that
it is abfurd, as your Maieftie ryghtly eftemis, he fuld be admitted to
communioun in that Churche, ftanding heir excommunicat, thair is in
our opinioun nothing better then to abfolve him before his parting from
hence, qhiche may be done if he fubfcryve the Articles and mak pub-
lick profeffioun to ftand be the famin, altho his communicating be
differrit. May it thairfore pleife your Maieftie to direct him to mak his
appearance at St Andrewis, Dundie, or fum fuche publick place for that
effect ; fince it is no way meit that the fam be done in a privat paroche,
and we fal fo cary the bufines as he falbe abfolvit, and none conceave
offence thairby.
Anent the difference that flood between the B. of Galloway and Mr
William Byrnie 2 for the gift of the Chappel Royal, qhich your Maieftie
recommendit vnto ws in another letter, we haif fo compofed it, as the
Bifchop fal haif the charge of the Chappel, and Mr William fal be pro-
vydit of a fufficient ftipend, qhiche we haif agreit falbe a thoufand
lib. Scotis, and if the rent thairof wil permit his allowance to be
greater, the modificatioun of farder is remittit to us two, be bothe
thair confentis. We ar thairfoir to intreat your Maieftie moft hum-
bly that the Bifchop may be refavit in the place, and command gifin
1 This letter is wholly in Spottiswood's own hand.
s Successively Minister of Lanark and Ayr ; see mipra, p. 283.
312 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1613.
him for eftablifching the fervice with convenient expeditioun, as that
quhiche makis bothe for the gud of the Churche and honour of the
Kingdom.
We haif farder agreit that the libertie qliiche plefit your Maieftie to
grant vnto Mr Robert Bruce for returning to his houfe, falbe fent vnto
him, and haif accumpanyit the fam with a letter fubfcryvit be a number
of the Bifchopis, qhairin we requyr him fo to vfe his libertie, as your
Maieftie haif no caufe to offend with him heirafter, or with ws for our
interceffioun in his behalf ; declaring alfo, that we wil not fuffer the autho-
rise qhiche we haif of God and your Maieftie in the Churche lawfully
eftablifchit to be defpyfit, or callit in queftioun. Qhat the famin fal
worke with him, we leave to the event.
Thair is ordour takin for eftablifching the Chapteris of Cathedral
churchis, and a tym appointed for tham al to meit be tham felfis, for
renewing fuche ordour as of longe tym lies ben intermitted. This hes
ben meinit be tham al, that qhair of old thai wer provydit of houfis to
refaif tham at the Cathedral churche, qhen thai had occafioun to refide,
and of fum common landis, qhairof thai maid thair expenfe in publick
metingis, al is now alienat and put away, and the dewtyis thairof
annexit to the Crown in that woful Act of Annexatioun. Thefe being
of no great importance, wer for the moft part affignit yeirly to the
Minifteris, for fupplie of thair ftipendis ; but now the refaveris of the
rentis haif chargit for the famin, as belonging to your Maieftie, and not
falling vnder the modificatioun of ftipendis, our humble fupplicatioun to
your Maieftie is, in that regard, that til a better tym offer for reftoring
the faidis houfis and landis to the Chapteris be publick A6t, a command
may be gifin to the Thefaurar Deput and vnder refaveris, to fuffer the
Chanonis, in thair feveral Chapteris, to vplift and collect the famin to
thair proper vfe; and qhair the fewis or alienationis fal be fund in-
valid in law, that the Thefaurar and Advocat wil concurre as thai
falbe informed for reducing the fam ; and fo we fal haif fum gud
beginning, and our Minifterie be incouragit to proced in that qhiche
remaynis.
Thir being the principal thingis handlit in this meting, we thoght it
our dewty to impairt the fam to your Maieftie, remitting al to your
1613.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 313
Hienes wyfe and royal cenfure ; and now, with our prayeris to Al-
mychtie God for your Maiefties faif and happie eftate, we humbly tak
our leave.
Your Maiefties moft humble fervantis,
Sanctandrois.
Glasgow.
Edinburgh, the 10 of July 1613.
To his moft Sacred Majeftie.
CXCV.— THE BISHOP OF MURRAY TO KING JAMES.
Sacreid Souerane,
May it pleis your moift gratius Maieftie : Your Hines letter
wreittin in my fauouris to the Erll of Dunfermling, your Maiefteis
Chanceller of this Kingdome, was varie acceptable, according to the
dire&ioun quheroff his Lordfchip hes bene varie fauourable to me, and
travellit erneftlie withe the Erllis off Mortoun and Kyngorne, curatouris
to this Loird Spynie, to haue furceaffit from perfewing me vpone that
band of ten thoufand markis extortit from me be the laft Lord Spynie.
Bot the Chanceller culd prevaill nothing at thair handis; and albeit
your Hines vther letter, direct to the faidis two Erllis, was deliuerit in
thair awin handis, and red be them, yit they haue not bene muiffit
hithertillis to fchaw me ony courteffie, at your Maiefties defyr, bot con-
tinues ftill in perfewing me heir in Edinburgh, to my gryt hurt and dif-
tractioun from my calling, efteming your Hines letter bot Rogatus rogo.
And thairfor, in fted of all vther con fort in that erand, I am compellit
to reteir me agane to your Maiefteis clemencie and pitie ; and that for
your Maiefteis vtheris letteris to be fend to my Lord Chanceller, making
mentioun that your Hines hes juft occafioun to remember the two Erllis
mifregaird of your Maiefteis interceflloun for me, your Hines poor fer-
2r
314 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1613.
uitour, and notwithftanding that my Lord Chanceller wald deall ftill
with them, ather to furceas from all perfute of me heireftir till this
Loird Spynie cum to perfyt age, or vtherwayis, that the hole mater may
be fubmittit be boithe pairteis to your Maieftie allennerlie, or to certane
of the Loirdis off Seffioun, the two Erllis taking burding for the pupill :
or laft, incace of ther refufall, that your Maieftie, by authoritie, wald be
pleifit to difchairge all farder calling and perfewing of me befoir the
Loirdis of Seffioun till your Maiefteis farder plefur falbe knawin. My
ftrait is grytt, and no vther can help me. Only your Maiefteis gratius
countenance, in your Hines gratius and princly dire6tiounes to my Loird
Chanceller is able to help, togidder withe your Hines particular miffives,
ane to my Lord Prefident, the vther to my Loird Secretar, and the laft
to my Loird Aduocat, quho, being all jointlie and of one mynd, by
your Maiefteis good plefur fend to them, may happilie gett me fum
eas off this intolerable burding. Now the God of all bliffing mul-
tiplie all fortis of bliffingis vpone your Hines and your royall [pofte-
ritie] heir and eternally.
Your Majefteis poore and diftreffed
yit moft affe6tionat feruitour,
Al. B. off Murraye.
Edinbrughe, the tuentie fourt off Julij 1613.
To the King his moift Excellent Maieftie.
CXCVL— THE EARL OF WIGTOUN TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious and dread Souerayne :
A.t my laite being at your Heighnes Courto, the petitioun preferred
by me for the Kirk of Glenquhome was gratioufly acceptit by your
Maieftie, the fame Kirk being formerly giftit by your Heighnes to me,
whiche nocht the lefs in purcheffing of the Titular's confent to the
1613.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 315
famin, did ftand me at no les raite then ten thowfand poundis Scottis,
as I did particularly fignefie to your Maieftie, who then, out of your
Heighnes moft gratious and bountefull difpofitioun, wes pleafed to pro-
meis that ather a courfe fould be tane for fecuring wnto me the Patron-
age of that Kirk, acquyred by me at fo deir a pryce, or then fufficient
fatiffa&ioun and recompenfe fould be gewin me for the famin : And
now, feing John Gib hathe of lait trowblit me with perfuite in the
law, and heathe recovred decreit aganes me, I will moft humblye intreat
your Maieftie to be pleafed, according to your Heighnes promeife, that
ordour be gewin, as ather I may reft fecuired in my poffeffioun of the
faid Kirk, without farder trwble, in my peaciable injoying thairof, or
then that your Maieftie wald direct down warrand for delyuerie of fome
dew recompance and fatisfaclioun to me for the famin. Thus, humble
crawing pardone for my bauldnes, and praying Almychtie God to
incres your Maiefteis happines with long and happie regne ower ws,
and bliffitnes elfwheir, I taik my leif, and as I am moft bound, fall euir
remane,
Your Maiefteis moft humble ferwand and fubiect,
Wigtoun.
Cummernald, the 6 October 1613.
To the King his moft excellent Maiefte.
CXCVIL— THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW TO KING JAMES.
Most sacred and gkaciouse Soveraigne,
1 refavit your Maiefties letter the firft of November, command-
ing me to declare anent Sir Jlion Sken and his childrenis effairis, on
qhofe fyd the agrement fayled, and particularly if the twentie day of
Julj laft wes preciflie appointed for agrement of al materis controvertit
amongeft tham, and conditioun maid, that if the Father fulfilled not
316 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1613.
fuche thingis as wer on his part defyrit, Sir James fuld be fre of al con-
ditionis maid to his brother, Mr Jhon. Pleife your Maieftie, the truthe
is, that hafing refavit your Maiefties letter to deal with tham for thair
agrement in May laft, I travellit to haif it done according to thefe
groundis qhiche wer layit be your Maiefties fervant, Jhon Murray,1 to
tham bothe, at thair being at Courte, qhiche war thir : That Sir James
fuld gif his father furtie for fex and threttie hundreth merkis Scots, to
be payit to him yeirly during his lyftym, and that without ony condi-
tioun to be done be the father ; and for Mr Jhon his brother, that how
fone he fuld obtein Sir James to be infeft in the landis of Curreyhil, and
ane fex thowfand merkis, lying vpon Saltoun, and mak payment to him
of the fowm of twelf thowfand merkis, that fa foone he fuld haif the
office of Clerkfchip provydit him. Qhen I preafit Sir James to gif his
father furtie, he excufit him felf that he culd not do it, vnleffe he wer
infeft in Curyhil and that fex thowfand merkis. As I laborit the Father
to infeft him, he refufit, except his brether wer fatiffeit ; fo I wes forcit
to leave that point, and fe if I culd agre the brether. In treating with
tham, a queftioun fel in, qho fuld pay the father his laft yeiris dewtie.
Sir James alledgit that he fuld haif twelf thowfand merkis clear, and if
he wer compellit to gif his father fex and threttie hundreth, it wald
diminifche fo muche, and conditionis fuld not be kept to him. Mr
Jhon his brother anfwerit, that it wes reafon his father fuld be payit
furthe of the profit of the office be tham that had brukit it ; and for
him felt!, he wald pay the twelf thowfand merkis appointit be Jhon
Murray. Finding this flay, I defyrit tham to referre the mater to the
laid Jhon his declaratioun, and a wryting to be fent to Jhon be eche of
1 In a letter from Sir Thomas Hamilton to John Murray, 20th August [1613], he says,
" My Lord of Glasgow hes trauelled cairfullie to agrie Sir James Skene and his father
and brother, and hes promeised to aduerteis yow, be his letter, of the conclusion thairof."
— (Melros Papers, vol. i. p. 128.) Sir John Skene of Curriehill, in 1611, on account of
his age and infirmity, intending to resign his situation of Clerk-Register in favour of his
son, Sir James Skene, sent him to London, with a letter of resignation, to be used only
if the King should be willing to admit him. He was induced, however, to give in the
resignation, and accept a seat on the bench as an ordinary judge, when the more lucra-
tive office was conferred on Sir Thomas Hamilton — (Spottiswood's History, p. 517;
Senators of the College of Justice, pp. 234, 254.)
•.
1613.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 317
tham, qharin thai fuld referre tham felfis in that point to his determi-
natioun ; qhiche thai wer content to do : And becaufe the father was
impatient of al delay, I travellit earneftly with him to grant me the
twentie day of Julj, til I mycht refaif anfwer in the point queftioned
betwen the brether from Jhon Murray, and at that tym I promifit to
mak end of the bufines : After earneft entreatie, I obtenit his gud wil
for that continewatioun, and this wes the eaufe of appointing the twen-
tie of Julj, at qhiche day I affurit the Father, according to the hopis
I had, that materis fuld be endit to his contentment ; but to Sir James
or his brother I maid no conditioun, nor had not occafioun to mak
ony.
In the mean tym, I travellit with Sir James, that he fuld pay the
yeiris dewtie to his father ; and if Jhon Murray determined the quef-
tioun on his fyd, the money fuld be repayit be his brother to him ;
quhairvnto he yeildit. About the 20 of Julj, Jhon Murrayis anfwer
returnit, declaring that Sir James fuld pay the yeiris dewtie to his
father. Sir James, thocht not wel contentit with the anfwer, fayit he
wold acquiefce ; then I prefit Mr Jhon to obtein his brother infeft in
the landis of Curryhil, and the fex thowfand merkis of Saltoun. He
anfwerit, that his father wold infeft him in Curryhil, but not in the fex
thowfand merkis, qhiche wes difponit to another brother. I requyrit
him to fe that recompenfit otherwyfe, becaufe this wes a part of Jhon
Murrayis decreit. He anfwerit, that he wes in hope, be Jhon Murrayis
freindfchip, to ben repoffeffit to his place of horningis be the Clerk of
Regifter, and if that wer done, he wold fulfil conditiounis, otherwyfe he
culd not, without vndoing him felf. We fpendit in this fum fex or
fevin dayis.
Perfaving great difficulties to compone matteris betwen the brether, I
dealt with Sir James, that he wold fatiffie his father in gifing him fecu-
ritie for his yeirly dewty, and for al other thingis tak his hafart of his
fatheris gud wil ; quhairvnto at laft he yeildit, and namit fum fevin or
eight cationeris with him in the band, qhiche I gaif his father, and he
wes thairwith content. Qhen the band wes in forming, the Prefident,
be occafioun of a complaint maid to him anent the delyvering of a bil,
meanit to the Lordis, that tbair culd be no order, fa lang as one of the
31S ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1613.
number of Seffioun had the command of that office, and vrgit muche
the repayring of this ; qhairvpon Sir James him felf, and other freindis,
defyrit me to fpeak his brother, and craif his anfwer, qhither or not
he wold accept the place vpon the conditionis. The Seffioun rofe a day
after or two, and being to go towardis St Androife for fum effairis, I
kept a meting betwen tham in Sir James garden at Edinburgh : William
Creichtoun of Ryhill wes with me, and ane Forbes, a freind of thairis.
Mr Jhon wes lothe to vndertak for the fex thowfand merkis of Saltoun.
I prefit him earneftly to do it, and that tryft left materis to his advyfe-
ment vntil the fyve and twentie of Auguft ; at qhiche tym, meting at
Edinburgh, Mr Jhon declarit we wold fulfil al conditionis, and for the
fex thowfand merkis of Saltoun, qhiche his father could not be inducit
to gif Sir James, he fuld pay him other fex thoufandis, on this maner,
that is, releif the landis of Curryhil of four thowfand merkis with
qhiche burthen Sir James fuld ever acceptit the fam, and mak him
furtie for other twa thowfand at the deceafe of his father and mother.
Sir James flood a qhyl, that he wold haif no other fex thowfand than
that of Saltoun ; but qhen I had declarit him how this wold be thocht
very vnreafonable dealing, he left it, and fchew himfelf content with
that point. Then we talkit of the twelf thowfand merkis, and how it
fuld be payit : Sir James prefit inftant payment : Mr Jhon offerit furtie
to the term. At laft, becaufe Sir James wold not refigne the office with-
out the money wes numerit, Mr Jhon maid offer of the fam prefently :
then I thocht al had been endit. I inquyrit Sir James if thair wes ony
more to be done or fpoken of: he faid, nothing but fum particularis
that he and his brother wold talk of amongeft tham felfis, qhiche fuld
tak no money from him. We fuld haif met the morn after and con-
cludit, but Sir James excuifit him felf that he wes difeafit, and fent his
gudfather and fum other freindis to mein his cace, and requeft me to be
freindly. I told tham, my travelis wer only be your Maiefties command,
that I had procedit after fuche maner, and brocht tham to agre in al
thingis, nothing reftit but to perform. They told me, Sir James culd
not quyt the office without great loffe, and wold had me to propone
other conditionis, qhiche I efchewit. So perfaving the fchift, I prayit
tham to muif him to gif his father fecuritie, elfe I wold mak my report
1613.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 319
to your Majeftie as I wes commandit, and for the brether, I wold leif
that bufines to another tym. They faid he fuld. Qhen I lukit to haif the
band fubfcryvit be him and his cationeris, thai returnit and offerit Sir
James himfelf fuld fubfcryve it ; but the cationers culd not tak on the
burthen. Qhen I told them it wes no fecuritie except the cationers fub-
fcryvit, thai faid, thai wold gif the father fecuritie during Sir James
lyftym, and fo longe as he brukit the office, but no longer. I anfwerit
thani, the father behovit to be fecurit for his tym, qhither Sir James
livit or deyit, and if thai fearit to bind tham felfis in this fort, qhy wold
not thai counfel him to end with his brother Mr Jhon as thai had agreit,
and Mr Jhon wold mak his father fecuritie ?
Finding I culd prevail nothing, nether for the fatheris fecuritie,
nor to haif the agrement maid with his brother perfytit, I went to
my Lord Secretary and cravit his advyfe, fchewing his Lordfhip the
ftate of materis, reading your Maiefties letter, for I took that with me
to him. He advyfit me to requyr bothe parties fubmit tham felfis to
freindis, and to me as him qhom your Maieftie had truftit with the
bufines. This I did : the father wes content ; only becaufe it wes not
femly he fuld fubmit with his fonne, he faid Mr Jhon fuld tak burthen
for him, qhiche wes thocht fufficient. Sir James defyrit a continewa-
tioun to the fyftent of September, and put me in hope he wald fubmit,
and his freindis fchew me the tym wes cravit only to gif fum fatisfac-
tioun to his gud-mother, that culd not be movit to agre with the diui-
fioun of the clerkfchip. I took the fubmiffioun fubfcryvit be Mr Jhon
us taking the burthen from his father, and fubmitting alfo for himfelf,
and gaif the father to vnderftand that Sir James wold certainly do the
lyk, and that al materis fuld end be decreit the fyftent of September.
Qhen the day cam, I fand the fubmiffioun refufit in effect, for thai
wold haif me try ane contract betwen the father and Archd Jhonftoun,
qhen he contractit his fonne with thair dochter, qhiche I denyit to
enter into as being impertinent to me : and yit, to fe if that wold do
any gud, I went to the father, and before Sir Jhon Arnot and Sir James
Stewart, talkit in that purpofe with him. I fand him gif fatiffactioun
in his anfweris, fo as it femit thair wes nothing to be requyrit of him,
qhiche he wes not willing to perform. But feing tham fet only to
320 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1613.
Hay the perfyting of matters agreit betwen Sir James and his brother,
I difchargit my felf of furder travelling, and told tham, I would
mak my report to your Maieftie, qhiche I did, thocht not in fuch
particulars as now.
Sire, this is the true procedinge of matteris amongeft tham. I wes
very careful to haif had tham agreit, fpecially to haif keipt your Maieftie
from thair fafchery. I piteit the eftait of the aged man, qho wes
brocht to the tennis of hard neceffitie, ether be the vnkyned or incir-
cumfpect dealing of his fonne.1 I lovit the fonne for the gud qualities I
faw in him, and often bothe in privat and publick before his freindis
entreatit him to rubbe awav that blot be his fatheris fatiffactioun, tho
it wer with his worldly loffe, and gaif him alfe lovinge and freindly, I am
fure better, counfellis, then he had from his allya. But they took no
place. Sir, I know to tel the truth gettis offenfe, yit I fear nothing to
do it, fpecially being commandit be your Maieftie ; and voyd of al par-
ticular affectioun, inclyning to none of tham, God is my witneffe, but as
I faw the matter mufit me, and to teftifie, as your Maieftie requyris me,
on qhat fyd the agrement faylit : Sir, it faylit on Sir James parte, qho
if he had ftand to that qhiche wes defyrit be him felf of his brother, it
had been fetlit, and your Maieftie not ben trublit, and the blame of this
lyis, and at that tym, as I vnderftand, lay vpon his mother in law, qhom
he fearis to difpleafe.
I befeche your Maieftie pardon for my long and tedioufe difcourfe,
fince it is maid to clear thingis to your Maieftie. Praying Almychtie
God to bleffe your Maieftie with al health and happines, I humbly tak
my leave.
Your Maiefties humble and obedient fervitour,
Glasgow.
Edinburgh, the 2 of November 1613.
To his moft Sacred Maieftie.
1 See note to page 316, and to a subsequent letter of Sir John Skene, dated 9th
August 1614.
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 321
CXCVIIL— THE BISHOP OF MURRAY TO KING JAMES.
Sm,
Pleas your moft Excellent Maiefty : According to your Hienes
directioun, the Marques of Huntley is cheargit to repaire to Abirdein as
place of confyning appointed be your Hienes, bot being informed he in-
tendis to caus fum of his freindis mak a new fwit to your Maiefty to
alter the place from Abirdein to Murray, I thocht it neidfull to adverteis
your Hienes thairofF, that being foirfein, your Maieftye may anfuer
thairvnto according to your Hienes greit vifdom. No thing will move
him bot ftricter dealing. His example dois ill, and his kyithing in
Papiftry increfcis. I houp to do your Maiefty yit fum fervice in thir
quarters, in apprehending fum wther traffiquing preiftis, quha ar nocht
idle. I humbly defyr your Maiefty to giwe diredtioun to the Counfell
to grant me your Hienes commifiioun, quherby I may mowe vele affected
men to ferwe your Maiefty in that turne. The laft ferwice wes truble-
fum and coiftly to me, and thay quha did with me receaved na recom-
pence. If it vald pleafe your Maiefty to grant me ane difcharge of the
taxatioun of the Bifchoprik off Murray for thir thre yeirs to cum (it
being bot fyve hundreth merkis be yeir), I vald beftow the famin vpon
goode fellowis to ferve your Maiefty in this earand. Bot fearing to
be tedious to your Hienes, I am contented to abyd your Maiefties
goode and gracious pleafour ; and fo refting vpon your Hienes royall
and liberall mynd heiranent, I humebly tak my leiwe, vifching your
Maiefty long and continuall profperity in this lyff, and eternall bleffings
heirefter,
Your Hienes maift humble and maift
affectionat fervitour,
Alexander Bisch. off Murraye.
To the Kyng his Maieftye.
2s
322 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
CXCIX.— THE BISHOP OF ORKNEY TO JOHN MURRAY.
Right Honokabill Sib,
I haue now, efter long tyme and muche trubill, trauelL and ex-
penfis, aggreed finallie withe the Lordis Commiffioners of Parliament and
Officers of Eftait, as ye will fee by the Contract and fignator fubfcrybed
and figned by the Lordis, and alfo be tuo letters fubfcrybed be their
Lordfhips, to teftife ther confent to his Maieftie and my Lord of Sommer-
fett : I haue wrettin to Jhone Murray that the famin letters may be
delyvered, and that the contract and fignator may be figned withe his
Maieftes hand and the Earll of Somerfett, and returned to me agane
withe all poffible diligence. I will therfor, vpon the affurance which I
haue of your favour and kyndnes, requeft yow to furder that bufines,
and to pack up the fame agane when they ar paffed, that they may
come to me wholl and vnrent, and no way mifcarrie. And becaus your
owne man Mr Dauid Calendar, whome ye recommended to me, is now
Proveft of Orkney, and his fubfcription and confent neceffar, that ye
will be pleafed to fend for him, that he may fubfcrybe the contract efter
it be paffed his Maieftes hand and the Thefaurer's. I can feek nor vfe"
no complementis with yow, and I houp ye haue not thoght me ane
counterfute or diffembling man. Try and proue me for your felf or
your freind, and be affured ye may command me to my vttermoft to
ferue yow. So committing this my greateft bufines to your creditt and
cair, I commend yow to God his bliflingis, and refts,
Yours in all dewtie to ferue yow,
Ja. B. of Or cads.
Edinburgh, 18 Januar 1614.
To the Right Honorabill his affured and
fpeciall freend, James Douglaffe, attend-
ing his Maieftie for difpatche of the
Scottis affairis, at Court.
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 323
CC — THE BISHOP OF ORKNEY TO KING JAMES.
Sir, mat it pleis tour Sacred Majestie,
Ther is now almoft ane moneth pall fince I fend to your Majeftie
in my Lord Secretarie ' his pacquet ane Contract fubfcryued be the
right honorable Lordis of your Majeftes Privie Counfell, and ane Sig-
natour conforme to the famin in all articles noted be your Majeftes
Adrocat, to be figned be your Majefte, and fubfcrybed be the Earll of
Sommerfett, your Majeftes Highe Thefaurer of this Kingdome : as alfo
tuo letters, the one directed to your Majefte, the other to your Majeftes
Thefaurer, bothe of them fubfcrybed be the Lordis, to teftifie thair con-
fent and aggrement : All thefe wer receaued ther in that pacquet be
James Douglas, and as yitt ar not returned, for what caufe I can not
conjectur. I haue ferued this four yeir bygone with no or verie littill
commoditie. I haue fpent in that feruic my tyme, my ftrength, and all
the poor meanes which I had : I am now in great dept, and dayle
danger to be charged, arreifted, and incarcerated be my creditoris, and
the fueteft fruict whiche I haue tafted of that tree is the deadlie heatred
of the Earll of Orcnay, his brether, and fauorers, vttered ther and heer
in contumelies, calumnies, and threats of reveng. In all thefe euillis I
muft flee to your Majeftes fauour and protection, whome I haue ferued
faithfullie, in all your Majeftes commands and directions, and not vn-
fru6tfullie, in all my imployments in Church bufines ; humblie befeiching
your moft gracious Majefte to figne my contract and fignator withe
1 Sir Thomas Hamilton, in a letter to King James, dated Edinburgh, 14th January
[1614], says, " The Bischop of Orkney, having agried with the Counsall anent the
Assignation of lands and teyndis to him and his successouris, as ane constant patrimonie
to the Bisehops of Orkney, is to repaire to your Majestie, and to mak sute for the
Patronages and Superiorities ; which being poyntes rather of authoritie and preeminence
nor of profFcit, ar thought more fit for the Prince, nor ane subject, in these remote lies ;
whairof your Majestie may be pleased to consider, and to declare your Royall pleasour
to your Counsall." — (Melros Papers, vol. i. p. 96, where the letter is conjecturely assigned
to 1613.) It will be seen that the Bishop reiterates these claims in his statement on the
22d of June, infra, pp. 333—336.
324 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
your Royall hand, that I and my fuccefforis may [be] f'etled in fome
certain eltait and mantenanc. To wreit doune heir that no mor im-
pediment and delay be maid to me in paffing through the feallis, and
moil efpecialle that my Lord Thefaurer deput may male payment to
me of the foumes of money according to the accompt fubferybed be
,the Lordis, for paying my freendis and creditoris, by whofe only benevo-
lenc and beneficenc I am, and hes been mantened this long tyme by-
gone. Y6ur gratious Majefte, in your greatt wifdome, may be pleafed to
confidder that I am not liable, though I wer neuer fo willing, to endur
longer tyme and delay, bot muft needs refigne my vnprofitabill, yea,
moft hurtfull titill, and flee to fome corner of the world, to hyd my felt"
from trubill, fhame, and miferabill pouertie. Craving pardone for this
boldnes, whervnto neceflitie hes enforced me, and moft humble befeich-
ing your moft gratious Majefte to releue me frome thes vndeferued dis-
treffes, I pray God to delyuer your Majefte from all euill, and to blifft
your moft Sacred perfone and Royall gouernment, that your Majefte
may reigne long in all profperite heir, and in heavinlic glorie for euer.
Your Majefties moft humble fubjecl; and fervand,
Edinburgh, 15 Febr. 1614. Ja. B. of Orcads.
To the King his moft excellent Majeftie.
CCI EXTRACTS FROM ADVERTISEMENTS SENT TO COURT, OF PRO-
CEEDINGS AT THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
xvij February 1614.
Sen the laft Adverteifment of the thrid of this inftant, thair hes no
mater worthie of wrytting occurrit heir.
24 February 1614.
According to the Kinges Maiefties direction, Sir Johne Skene of
Currihill wes of new admitted to his place, in Counfell, which he for-
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 325
raarlie poffeffed, and his Maiefties benefite and penfion granted vnto him
wes accordingly paft, allowed, and fubfcryved.
The guard having apprehended Jeane Brown, Lady Garroche, and
Maifter Harbert Browne, hir brother, conforme to ane commiffion and
warrand granted to thame for that effe6l, thay war broght. in to this
burgh fome eight dayes fince, or therby, and committed to warde within
the Tolboothe, wher thay now remaine. John Makgill, fumtyme Com-
miflar Clerk of Drumfreis, wes, by the Earle of Abircorne's meanes,
broght out of Yrland and exhibite this day before the Counfell : he is
lykwife committed to the Tolbooth. And upon the returne of the two
Archibifchopes of Sanctandrois and Glafgow, who ar now about there
buffines at home, all thir perfones, with Alefon Simfone, who wes fend
heere out of England, ar to be examinat.
The exoneration and difcharge granted be his Maieftie to the Laird
of Lochinvar, of the fowme of ten thoufand merkes, incurred be him as
cautioner for William Douglas, fomtyme of Lincluden, wes this day pre-
l'ented to the Commiffioners of the rentes, and allowed.
Tertio Martij 1614.
There is ane Act of Counfell paft this thrid of Merche, vpon a motion
made be the Archbifhope of Glafgow, who pretendes to have his Maief-
ties warrand for that effect, ordaineing ane generall celebration of the
Communion, to be vniuerfalie throughout this kingdome, vpon one day,
videlicit the xxiiijth day of Aprile nixt to cum : the abfentes ar ordained
to be noted, and accordinglie to be perfewed, conforme to the lawes
made theranent.
Decimo Martij 1614.
The Bifchop of Orkney compeirand this day before the Counfall, maid
a verie havie regrait how that, for the refpect of his Maiefties obedience
and ferwice, he had not onlie fpent the fmall meanis quhilkis, by his
goode gouernament and mannageing, he had acqueyrit in his youth, bot
with that had ingadget himfelff and his freindis in grite foumes of money,
tor the quhilkis they wer hardlie put at and ftraittat, and his credeit
and reputatioun lyik to reffaue ane irrecouerabill wound ; And quhairas
326 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
the hope of that benefice, whiche his Maieftie had beftowed vpoun him,
maid him the more frilie to vndergo all thir burdingis, with the weght
quhairof he is now preft doun ; And now, finding no appearance of the
fettling of him in that benefice, feeing the wryttis quhilk war fend vp to
his Maieftie for that caus, fome audit oulkis fyne or thairby, war nocht
returned, nor no woord nor anfuer concerning thame, he being loathe
to leive any langer in fufpence and vncertantie, and vnable to fufteane
and beare oute that burding and charge, wes conftrained to dimitt and
furrender that benefice agane to his Maieftie, and haueing his patent in
his hand, he be way of dimiffioun and furrender laid the fame doun vpoun
the Counfall table by [with] monie proteftatiounes that he was not in-
ducet thairvnto by ony diflyik he had to the eftablifching of the Eftait
of Bifchoppes, and of the courfe whiche they followit oute in the Churche
gouernament ; nor yit that he was weriet of his Maiefties fervice, feing
he was perfwadit in his awin confcience, according to the light whiche
God had given him, that the Eftait of Bifchoppis had a goode warrand
and authoritie from the Booke of God, and that he wald continew in
that affureance vnto the end : And as for his Maiefties fervice, that laik
of meanis and not of affectioun maid him vnable, and confequentlie to
werie : The Counfall hauing heard him at great length, gaif him many
argumentis, quhairby he might reft affured of the continewance of his
Maiefties fauour towardis him ; and tuiching the furrender and dimiffioun
maid be him, they tauld him, that the accepting of that dimiffioun was
not in thair power, bot reftit fullic in his Maiefties awin perfone ; and
they intreated him patientlie to abyde his Maiefties goode lafer anent
the fending doun of thefe wryttes, feing he knew that his Maiefties
otheris important and princelie effairis could not admit tymes and
feafounes anfuerrabill to menis humouris in the difpatche of thair adois
and buffines.
Maifter Samuell Cockburne, Sherriff Principal! of Edinburgh, is
depairtit this lyfe,1 whairof his Maieftie wald be acquent, to the effect
1 See supra, p. 308. — Sir Alexander Hay addressed the following note to John Mur-
ray, from Edinburgh, 8 August [1614] : —
Sir, — I mon humblye entreate your favour to this gentleman, the sone of a very
honest father, goode Mr Samuel Cokburne. He hathe something wherein to move hit
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 327
his Maieftie may mak chofe of fome vther to fupplie that feruice. Direc-
tioun is gevin in this meane tyme to the Deputtis to continew in the
adminiflratioun of that office, quhairthrow the leiges be not fruftrat oi'
justice.
Decimo quinto Marty 1614.
The Thefaurer Deput haiffing broght the Bifchope of Orkney befoir
the Counfall, vpoun fome errouris alledgit to be in his laft compt, whilkis
ar hurtfull and preiudiciall to his Maieftie, the Counfall hes deput fome
of thair number to convene this afternoone with the Bifchope and The-
faurer, and to hear the reafonis and groundis whairvpoun the Thefaurer
impugnes the comptis, and to draw thame to fome conformitie and
poynt. The Bifchope hes waved a commiffione, whilk is granted for his
repairing to Orknay, and intrometting with the rentis and dewiteis
affigned to him for his prouifione, with conditione that yf the dewyteis
exceid the fowme of aucht thoufand merkis, that the Bifchope falbe
comptable for the fuperplus, and yf they be within the foume foirfaid,
after a trew and perfyte compt hard thairupoun, that the Bifchope falbe
fatiffeit accordinglie.
xxiij Junij 1614.
The Archiebifchope of S' Androis being adverteiflit frome the
Campheir, that nomberis of Papeiftis doeth refort frome all partis to the
Campheir, and thair attendis the commoditie of fchipping for thair
tranfporte from thenfe to this cuntry, he maid relatioune thairof to the
Counfaile ; whairupone a proclamatioune is paft and publeiffit, prohibeit-
ting the hamebringing of any paffingeris frome the Campheir, quhill firft
the paffingeris receave a teftimoniah frome the Minifter of the Scoittis
Maiestie : It is alreddy granted in his fatheris tyme, and only desyireth a new warrant
for the dischairgeing of it. I craive pardoun for my boldnes, haveing nothing for
apologie, bot that I sail evir to last breathe
be reddy to serve you,
Alexr. Hay.
To his very hono". and speciall freynd,
Mr John Murray of Dundreynane,
of his MaUe" Bedchamber.
328 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
Kirk at Campheir,1 that thay ar profeffouris of the trew religioune pre-
fentlie profeffit, and be law eftableiffit within this Kingdome, and that
thay do hant the kirk and fermonis.
28 July 1614.
According to his Maiefties dere&ioun anent the confyned Minifteres
of Fyiff, thay ar releeved of thare confyning.
There is a proclamatioun lykwyfe fett oute againes drounkardes, con-
forme to the acl; of the Synode of Sanftandrois.
CCIL— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS [TO THE MAGISTRATES
AND COUNCLL OF PERTH.]
Richt Honorable and Loving Brethren,
After remembrance of my dewtie to you all, ye ar not ignorant
that the place of your Minifterie,2 formerlie pofleffed by my Lord Bifhop
of Galloway, is now vacand, and the care of the prouifion thereof lyeth
chiefly vpon me. And thairfore, being bond in confcience, and ftraited
with loue and affection towards yow, I haue thocht gud to requeaft yow,
that ye wald tak that matter to heart, and adwife wpon the man whom
ye wold haue to fupplie his rowme ; for I haue conferred with his Lord-
fhip, and I find be him that he is indifferentlie difpofed to fee his rowme
ftaicked with fome godlie learned man that belt may ferve yow. I haue
no vther intention but to admitt to that minifterie the man whome, efter
adwice, ye find fitteft for yow ; and think not, be any tergiuerfation, to
1 Mr Alexander McDuflf, minister of Newburn in Fife, was appointed, in 1613, Mini-
ster of the Scots Congregation at Campvere, the Staple Port in the United Provinces for
Scotland. His nomination to that charge was approved of by King James, and by " the
Right Reverend Father in God, George Archbishope of St Androis." — (Appendix to Dr
Steven's History of the Scottish Church, Rotterdam, p. 290.)
2 This letter was evidently addressed to the Magistrates of Perth, although no address
is giv^n in the contemporary " Chronicle of Perth," in which it is inserted : See p. 15
of the volume printed by James Maidment, Esq., as a contribution to the Maitland Club,
1831. 4to.
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 329
efcape the planting of ane other man, and that with all diligence.
Affure yourfelfe, that nather the Kings Majeftie (who muft haue his
Royall confent in your planting), neither I, your ordinar, nor my Lord
of Galloway, ane confcience [confcientious] and reuered Prelat, will fuf-
fer yow longer to be defolate of ane Paftour. Thus, I both requeaft
and requyre you, that ye fend your Commiffionars to our Synod, quhilke
is to be holden heir vpon Twefday and Wednefday nixt, that ordour
may be tane of your prouifion. Injoye your priuilege, in God's name,
as the fecond burgh both of the Kingdome and Diocy, and ye fall find
me to affift you be my councill and authoritie to my vttermoft, to obtain
aither ane vpon whom ye fall fett your eye, and [or] to have ane lyk
[lyte] of many, of quhilke ye may mak choice. Loue makis me to wrytt
thus, and the confcience of my calling makis me to be thus peremptorie.
I fend my haftie falutation to you all, and to the gud communitie. The
grace of our Lord Jefus Chrift be with you all. Amen.
I reft
Your very louing and kynd Brother,
Sanctandrois.
Sanctandrois Caftle, 26 Apryl 1614.
CCIII.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratious Soverane,
It pleafed your moft excellent Maieftie to command me to attend
vpon ane actioun depending before my Commiffaris, betwix Thomas
Creichtoun and Jean Monypenny, dochter to the vmquhill Laird of
Pilrig. Vpon informatioun to your Maieftie that the Commiffaris
difagreit among themfelues, I fat with them in judgement, and caufit
produce to me the proces, and efter reading thereof I tuke their votes,
who vniformelie fand both the lybell relevant and lawfullie provin be
the depofitioun of the partie perfewer, to whois oath of veritie it wes
referrit be Thomas Creichtoun, the partie defender, efter that the per-
2t
330 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
fewer had deferrit it to his oath. Efter reafoning, I inclyned alfo to
their opinion, whill I be better informit. I broght them alfo before my
Lord Chancellar, Secretary, Thefaurer Deputy, and Advocat, who in
their prefence alfo declaired their vniformitie and conftancie in their
advyfement ; but becaus your Maieftie had once directit me in this
caufe, I haue fent vp heirwith the proces, which is very fhort, that your
Maieftie, confidering of it be your felfe, or be any other whome your
Maieftie fhall appoynt, may fend fuch commandement to me and my
Commiffaris as may be a warrand, be confcience and juftice, to make ws
to alter our opinions, or vtherwife to giue me and them fuch affeffouris
be your Maiefties royall authoritie as will do in that matter, according
to juftice, which is your Maiefties proper and vnfeparable vertue.
I and the remanent Prelats wrote lately to your Maieftie, bot hes
receaved no anfwer, whereof we marvell greatly, fince the matters wer fo
important. The packet wes directit to Johne Murray. I commit your
Maieftie in perfone and eftate to Godis protectioun and bleffing. I reft,
Your Maiefties moft humble fubiect and fervitour,
Sanctandrois.
CC1V THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO KING JAMES.
Most Gratioos Socerane,
We being this day at ane meiting and conference with the Archie-
bifchop of St Androis and the Commiffaris of Edinburgh, anent that
actioun and caus recommendit be your Maieftie to ws, concerning Johne
Mony penny and Thomas Creichtoun. After that we had putt that mater
to ane poynte, the Archiebifchop declairit vnto ws, that thair is fome
a&ionis concerning the priuilegeis of the Archiebifchoprik of St Androis,
depending betuix your Maiefteis Advocat and him befoir the Seffioun,
whairin, althoght he prefometh to haif law and reafoun on his fyde, yitt
in regaird of the exceiding grite fauouris, whilkis fra tyme [to tyme] he
hes reffauit of your Maieftie, in preferring and advanceing him to that
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 331
eftate, honnour, and dignitie, whiche he now inioyeth, he is fo far tyed
and bundin to your Maieftie, in moft humble dewyteis of devotioun and
affedtioun, that he can not prefome to be hard in iudgement, nor to enter
in termes of conteftatioun with your Maieftie : And whereas fome few
yeiris ago he had freelie, in face of Parliament, fubmittit vnto your
Maiefteis felf thir materis contrauertit, with this prouifo, that afoir ony
thing wer decernit thairin, your Maieftie fould firft heir him felff, he is
content (yf fo be your Maiefteis pleafour) to ftand to that fubmiffioun.
But becaus the fame is limitat and conditionall, importing a neceffitie
that bothe he and your Maiefteis Aduocat be hard to pleade that mater
in your Maiefteis prefence, whilk hardlie can be done, in refpecl; of mony
your Maiefteis moft important and princelie affairis and adois, whilkis
will not admitt tyme nor lafer to attend this bufynes, he is willing to
fubmitt him felf to ony whome it fall pleis your Maieftie to delegat and
nominat (the Thefaurair and Aduocat, who, in refpecl; of your Maiefteis
intereffe as his pairtyis, onlie except.) We haueing at lenth hard him
heirupoun, and finding, by his difcourfeis, that he is moft vnwilling and
loathe to be a contradictor in judgement vnto your Maieftie in this
poynte, we haif thoght meete, that the aclionis kinc inde concerning
this mater fall reft and fleip, till we vndirftand your Maiefties will and
pleafour heiranent, and whateuir it fall pleis your Maieftie to dire6l and
command we fall accordinglie follow oute and obey. For yf your
Maieftie fall not be pleafit to allow of this delegatioun, the Archie-
bifhop wilbe conftraned againis his will to abyde the courfe of your
Maiefteis lawis in thefe materis. And fo, with our hairty prayeris
vnto God, recommending your Maieftie and your royall progenie to
his divyne proteclioun, we reft
Your Maiefteis moft humble and obedient fubiectis and feruitouris,
Al. Cancell8.
Edinburgh, 7 Junij 1614. Binning.
Jo. Prestoun.
To the King his moft Sacred and S. W. Olifhant.
excellent Maieftie.
332 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
CCV.— SIR GIDEON MURRAY OF ELIEBANK TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Souerane,
The workis of the Silwer Myndis ' being now fo far advanced that
the workmen haif begunne to land fume metall, altho far inferiour to
the expenfes that the wndirtakaris beftow thairvpon, it is neceffar your
Maiefteis plefour touartis the electione aither of the tent part of the
mettale, or the threttie part of the filwer efter it be fynned vpon
thair expenfes, be knawin. Sir William Alexander2 lies a warrant
to be paft your Maiefteis hand for this effect, and I houpe your
Maieftie will mak choice of your proportione efter it be fynned, be-
caus thair is probabilitie of greiter bencfeit that way, nor be reffaving
of the mettall, to be fynned at your Maiefteis charges. The electione
beand maid, I fall do my dewtie by taking vpp your Maiefteis part
exactlie.
Your Maieftie hes a letter fent frome the Counfell, concerning fume
queftione that your Maiefteis Aduocat and myfelf hes with the Archi-
bifchope of Santandrois, for the priviledge of Regalitie acclamed be him
vpon the lands pertaining to the Prior of Sanctandrois ; whairanent,
and anent fume wther queftiones of the lyk nature, it is defyred that
your Maieftie wald be pleafit to appoynt fume of your Cownfell and
Seffione to confider and determine : He declynes the Advocat and my
felf as parteis. The Chanclour, Secretar, Prefident, Clerk of Regifter,
and geue your Maieftie wilbe pleafit to adioyne any wtheris with thame,
ar weill informed of the buffines, and fo wilbe the fitted perfones to be
employed, geue fo be your Maieftie find it to be doune. I declyne to
haif any queftione with the Archbifchope, geue materis may be fetled
in a peaceble maner, and fo hes left of all perfuit of law, till your
Maiefteis gratious plefour be knawin heiianent. Swa, wifching your
1 The Silver Mines of Hilderstone, in Linlithgowshire.
s Of Menstrie, afterwards Secretary of State, and author of the " Monarchick Trage-
dies." He was raised to the Peerage, by Charles the First, in 1630, and was advanced
to the Earldom of Stirling in June 1633.
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 333
Maieftie a long and healthfull lyffe, with all happines and contentment,
I reft,
Your Sacred Maiefteis moft humble and faithfull feruand,
G. Murray.1
Edinbrught, the 9th of June 1614.
To the Kingis moft Sacred Maieftie.
CCVI.— INFORMATION TO THE KING HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTIE,
FROME THE BISCHOP OF ORKNEY, ANENT THE YEIRLIE RENT OF
THE LANDIS DESIGNED TO HIM AND HIS SUCCESSORS.
Sir,
May it pleis your Sacred and moft Gratious Majeftie to confider
thefe few and fchort Articles, whiche I have upon my knowledg and
tryall fett doune trewlie, vnder my hand, according to your Majefties
command and lait direction.
1. Firft, it is of veritie that the Rentall whiche I delyuered to your
Majefties officers is the laft, beft, and moft perfect that ever was in
Orckney,2 conforme to whiche all the takifmen of feuerall Ifles and
parifhes had ther particular rentallis given to them, fubfcryued be the
Earll.
2. It wes tryed and reported be the Clerk Regifter, Sir Henrie
1 Sir Gideon Murray held for many years the office of Treasurer-depute of Scotland,
and had the entire direction of the revenues, which he managed so well, that, besides '
keeping the royal residences and fortresses in excellent repair, he was enabled to defray
tlic expenses of the King's visit to Scotland in 1617. See an interesting note respect-
ing Murray, at page 217 of " Letters and State Papers of the Reign of James VI."
i Bishop Law's Rental, in July 1614, is given in the " Rentals of the Ancient Earldom
and Bishoprick of Orkney, collected by Alexander Peterkin," p. 116 — 149, Edinb.
1820, 8vo.
334 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
Wardlaw, Archibald Prirnrois, and James Bailzie (who had direction
from the Lordis), that all the rent of the landis defigned to me wes not
equiualent to the Thriddis and eight thowfand markis contracted to be
payed to me be the Ear 11 of Orcney.1
3. Wheras it is objected by my Lord Thefaurer Deput, for the faith-
full difcharg of his feruic, that the rentis of thefe landis being counted
according to the takifmen countis and payment, wil exceid the propor-
tion of the Thriddis and money addepted to me : yitt ther is no materiall
difference, fo far as I can try, betuix the Rentall and ther countis, ex-
cept in thre, or rather tuo chalders teind in the parifh of Stromnes,
whiche belongis juftlie to the Subchantor, and cam laitlie to the Earll
his poffeffion, mor be vfurpation and violenc than good right.
4. And therfor, howfoeuer the rent of thefe landis falbe counted,
eyther according to the rentall or according to the takifmen charg and
exoneration, the fumma therof, uithe all the few maillis of the landis of
Orckney referued to me (and no deduction of lyfrent penfions being
maid), fall not furmont eight thowfand markis befyd the Thriddis, as I
haue tryed be juft calculation.
5. Bot it is alledged, fecondlie, that the girfomis of the landis
affigned will euerie yeir be worth fyue hunder fourte fex pundis befyd
the rent.
God knowis that I know not, nor can I to this day learne the
treuthe therof: This muche I am informed, and it is very credible,
that the Earll did mafterfullie impofe and rigouroufle exact thefe thre
yeir girfoums vpon euerie pennie land attour the fermes, to the great
dameag of the poor and grinding of ther faces, whofe patterne I purpofe
not to imitat.
6. Bot lett it be granted that the rent of the landis, withe ther girfums,
be fyve or fex hunder pound mor nor may countervalue the Thriddis and
eight thowfand marks : —
I houp that your moft Gratious Majeftie, who is now to lay ane new
fundation for the Bifchoprie of Orkney, who hes been fo liberall and
bountifull to other Bifchopis, will fauorable confider my travellis,
' The " Contract betwixt Patrick Earl of Orkuay and Mr James Law, Bishop of Orknay,"
dated 21st January 1607, is printed in the Appendix to Peterkin's Rentals, p. 88.
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AEFAIES. 335
trubles, and great loffes whiche I haue fuftened thir nyne yeiris by-
gone, and provyd fo for my fucceffors, that they, in thefe remoteft places,
may be hable bothe to hue honorable at home, and feme your Maieftie
abrod, as falbe fitting for ther dignite ; efpecially for thefe Eefons :
Firft, Seeing all the Archbifchops and Bifchopis in Scotland haue, by
the properties of ther patromonie, many cafualities, I houp none fall be
able to move your Maieftie to allott to me and my fuccefforis the cafuali-
ties of poor girfomis for ane part of our fett rent.
Secondlie, The rentis, fermes, and teindis of the landis defigned muft
be fubject to the burdingis of taxations, and other impofitions, without
releiff of fewars (for ther is not aboue four in my knowledg), or takifmen
of teindis (for the teindis ar difponed as ane part of the rent), and all
other Bifchopis, befyd ther properties and cafualities, hes releiff of ther
vaffalis and takifmen.
Thridlie, Your Maieftie wold be pleafed to confidder, that the rent
of the landis will neuer be payed compleitle in one yeir ; yea, many
yeirs hes been, and may be, wherin the half or tuo part may not be
payed.
And if your Maieftie pleafis to impar my condition, I had rather haue
fevin thowfand markis of good payment, and fecuritie for it, then the
rente and girfomes of all the land defigned. And therfor equitie
requyres that the girfomis and cafualities be allowed to fupplie and
fupport the defect of yeirlie payment and burdingis of the rent and
feruice.
Fourtle, I will humble befeiche your gratious Maiefte to ponder how
muche the Benefice itfelf, I and my fucceffors ar hurt and damnified by
this new fundation, and the hard conditions therof : —
I muft now refigne the Superiorite of all landis feued to the Earll,
and fome others, with the cafualities therof.
The Teindis of all the faidis landis, which be tyme might haue been
recouered.
The Patronages of threttie or may benefices, great and fmall, befyd
the Vicarages : a thing moft hurtfull to me, and hinderfull for planting
defolat and waft kirkis.
I will not mention to your Maiefte the Eegalite, wherof I haue tuo or
336 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
thre charters given be your Maiefteis predecefibris, frome King James
the Third.
Thefe Privileges and prerogatives belonged be all good right to the
Bifchopis of Orkney : wer difponed to me be your Maiefte, ratified in
Parliament, and I in poffeffion of them ; and now, I fall haue nothing
in recompenfe of them bot ane racked rent, vnable to be payed yeirle,
and girfomes affigned for ane part therof.
As for the landis of Greenwell, whiche ar eftemed to be worthe ane
hunder xxvj pundis mor than they pay prefentlie, they ar the kyndle
poffeffion of Edmond Sinclar and his fon, for the old rent and teind
whiche is rentalled. They ar clamed as properte be Edvart Stewart,
bafe fon to the laft Earll of Orkney. They ly in the hart of the landis
of Holme difponed to me. And if no better may be, I am content to
excamb them withe landis in St Olais parish.
Ther is no other thing objected which needeth my anfwer.
If it fall pleis your moft Gratious Maieftie, vpon the confideration of
thir Articles (whiche I haue fett doune trewle and fo brefle as I could,
fearing to weary your Maieftie), to difpon the landis, withe the
rentis, girfomes, and cafualities, as is contracted alreddie, and to com-
mand the famin to be fent to your Maieftie, to be figned, I fall gladlie
continew.
Bot if your Maieftie falbe moved to put me in worfe eftait and condi-
tion than was contracted to me be the Earll, and to give me no comfort,
nor help, nor fetling, for my loffes and trubles, whiche I haue patientlie
and conftantlie indured in your Maiefties fervice thir nyne yeiris
bygon, then I will beg moft humble pardon and fauour rather to
refigne my office and malefice, yea, and my natiue foyll, then withe
fuche difcredit, truble, hurt, and uncertante, to continew on half yeir
longer in it.
Bot bearing my felf in the beft houp that your Maiefte will now, efter
fo long tyme, eyther fettle me in the land, withe all the cafualities
thereof, according to the contract aggread once vpon, or ellis caufe fom
fecuritie to be maid to me for payment of eight thowfand, or fevin thow-
fand merkis, with the Thriddis, without preiudice to my firft gift of the
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS 337
Superiorities and Patronages, I fall ever mak prayers and thankifgiving
tor your Maiefties Sacred perfon, Royall progenie, and profperous
government, and remane
Your Maieftes moft humble fervant,
Ja. B. of Orcads.
Edinb. 22 Junij 1614.
CCVIL— SIE GIDEON MURRAY OF ELEEBANK TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Souerane,
According to the direclione of your Majefteis letter fent to the
Lordis of Priuie Counfell, I haif fett doune heir, undir my hand, the
differences betuixt the Bifchope of Orknay and me, for the yearlie dew-
teis of the landis defigned to him, which fould not exceid in yearlie rent
the foume of eight thowfand merkis, by the Thriddis appoynted for the
Minifteris ftipendis, according to the agrement maid betuixt the Erie of
Orknay and him, which differences ar comprehendit wndir thefe Articles
following : —
Firft, Thair wes omitted in the rekning maid with the Bifchop the
penfiones gevin owt be the Earle and his father, whiche ar bot a tempo-
rarie right to thefe that poffeffe thame, and will exfpyre with thair
deathe, and fo remane with the Bifchope and his fuccefforis in all tyme
cumming; and fo he can defyre no moir bott that thair may be compen-
fatione allowit to him during the penfionaris thair lyf tymes.
2. The landis ar omitted that ar lyand liey, which for the moft part
lies proceidit frome the necgligence of the Chalmerlandis and takmen
that had charge of the Erie's effairis. The faidis landis beand fett for
the dewtie that thay ar worth, and lies payed in tyme bygane, will mak
incres to the yearlie dewtie, and fo audit to be accepted be the Bifchope
for a part of his rent.
3. Thair ar fome of the landis fett in tak for a fmall dewtie, whairof
2u
338 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
the takis ar exfpyred, and fo the Bifchope aucht to accept tharae accord-
ing as they ar worthe, and as the poffeuoris wer contented to haif payed
for thame befoir they wer fett in tak.
4.' The Bifchope craves dedu&ione for landis whiche he alledges wer
iniuftlie purchafed be the Erie, and fett at ouer heghe a rait, notwith-
ftanding that thay haif payed the full dewtie all the yeares preceiding.
5. The Bifchope craves dedu&ione for landis defigned be him to
Minifteris for thair gleibes, furpaffing the Acl; of Parliament to the triple
availl.
6. The few mailes in the rakning maid with the Bifchop ar for the
moft part omitted.
7. In the faid rekning thair wes no confideratione had of the gref-
fomes payed furth of the faidis landis, ilk thrie yeare, extending to ane
thowfand fex hundereth threttie eight poundis, whiche beand devydit in
thrie partis, will mak the incres of fyue hundereth fourtie fax poundis
yearlie.
8. The dewtie payed be the fifcharis for ground leiue within the
towndis defigned to the Bifchope, with the pultrie and peatis payed
furth of the faidis landis, wer not compted.
It is trew that dire&ione beand given be the Lordis of Exchecker,
the laft Somer, to certane perfones to fele6t furth of the Rcntale of
Orknay fuch parodies and landis as might cowntervaile the yearlie dew-
tie of eight thowfand merkis for the Bifchopes rent, and fo much victuall,
and wther commoditeis, as might anfweir to the quantitie of the Thriddis,
according to the contract maid betuixt the Erie and him : It wes then
fund, be thefe that wer employed (beand ftrangeris to the buffines, and
not weill acquanted with the nature of Orknay rentis, and trufting,
withall, to ane auld Rentale buik produceit be the Bifchope, whiche is
far fchort of the rent that it is now put to), that all the rent of the
landis contened in his defignatione, the Thriddis beand deducit, wer
found not to exceid the foume of fax thowfand fevin hundereth merkis,
in confideratione whairof the greffomes, pultrie, peatis, and wther cafua-
liteis of that kynd, wer not reknit to him, bot the fame allowit for the
proportione of eight hundereth poundis, which the rent of the landis
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 339
defigned to him wer found, be the faid rekning, to inlaik. Bot fra I
tryed that the faid rekning wes not weill maid, and that the rentis of
thefe landis wer better nor eight thowfand merkis, by the Thriddis, it
feimed to be agreable to reafone, that all thefe commoditeis fould be
reknit with the reft of the dewties, and no moir of all gevin to the
Bifchope nor might mak vpp the yearlie rent of eight thowfand merkis
with the Thriddis. By which rekning thair wilbe of ouerplus, according
to the particular Rentale fent heirwith,1 ane thowfand threttie twa
poundis fyue fchillingis. The Ben tale is for the moft part maid vpp by
thefe comptis takin in be the Bifchope him felf, according to the whiche
the poffefforis haif maid payment bothe before and fince. The informa-
tiones for the greffomes, ground-leiue of the boittis, and the rent whiche
may be had for Greenwall in Paplay, ar maid to me by thefe that haif
particular knawledge of the rentis of Orkney, and I think that the
Bifchope will not mak greit queftione thairanent.
The defyr I haif to geue your Maieftie particular informatione of all
the differences concerning this buflines lies moved me to draw this dif-
cours to more lenth nor can be agreable with your Maiefteis ferious and
princlie effairis. Bot I hoipe the cair I haif to mak your Maieftie cleir
and trew informations will plead your gratious fauer and acceptance ;
and fwa 1 end with a moft humble and feruent prayer for your Maiefteis
long preferuatione in all health and happienes.
Your Maiefteis moft humble
and faithfull feruand,
G. Murray.
Edinburgh, the 24 of June 1614.
To the Kingis moft Sacred Maieftie.
1 The Rental referred to is added on the next page. The Report of the Privy Coun-
cil, and the Bishop's remarks on the above statement by Sir Gideon Murray, will be
found under the subsequent Nos. CCXVIII. and CCXIX.
340 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
CCVIII.— ItENTALE OF THE FRIE RENT OF THE LANDIS DESIGNED TO
THE BISCHOPE OF ORKNAY, ACCORDING TO THE ACCOMPTES
TAKIN VPP BE THE SAID BISCHOPE AND MASTER JHONE FINLA-
SONE, CHALMERLAND-DEPUT TO SIR JAMES STEWART, OF THE
CROPES 1G11 AND 1612.
The malt of the landis contened in the faid defignatione,
cornptand ane laft of coift to ane chalder of malt, is thrie
fcoir twell chalderis twell bollis, whairof thair is to be dedu-
cit for the Thriddis fyftein chalderis, fwa reftis, fyftie fevin
chalderis twell bollis, pryce of the chalder or laft, 64 i.
inde, .......... 3696 1.
The beir of the landis contened in the faid defignatione, corn-
ptand ane laft and ane half laft to ane chalder of beir, is
fextein chalders fourtein bollis, or thairby, whairof thair is
to be deducit for the Thriddis fyftein chalderis, fwa reftis,
ane chalder fourtein bollis, pryce of the chalder, 48 i.
inde, .......... 90 1.
The meill of the landis contened in the faid defignatione,
whairof thair is nothing to be deducit for the Thriddis, is
fevin laft half laft, pryce of the laft is 72 i. inde, . . 540 1.
The butter of the landis contened in the faid defignatione is
foure laft ten barrell twa part barrell, whairof thair is deducit
for the Thriddis thrie laft fevin barrell thrid part barrell,
fwa reftis, ane laft thrie barrell thrid part barrell, pryce of
the barrell, 24 i. inde, ....... 368 t.
The flefche payed furthe of the landis contened in the faid
defignatione is threttie fax laft thrie quarteris of ane laft,
whairof deducit for the Thriddis fyue laft thrie quarteris of
a laft, fwa reftis, threttie ane laft, at 20 \. the laft, inde, . 620 1.
The few mailes payed to the Bifchope furthe of the landis
contened in the defignatione, with the few mailes of the
landis of Cathnes, is 340 1. 1 s. 6 d., whairof thair is to be
deducit for the Thriddis, 214 t 8 s. 4 d., fwa reftis 125 i. 13 s. 2 d.
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 341
The landis of Greinwall, in Paplay, wer fett in tak be the
Erie of Orknay for eight poundis of yearlie rent, which tak
is exfpyred. Befoir the fetting of the faid tak the Erie
might haif gotten for the faidis landis, befyd the few dewtie
yearlie, als much malt and flefche as will exceid, at the
pryces afoirfaid, to the foume of 126 i., fwa the faidis landis
fould be allowed to the Bifchope for the faid foume of . 126 t.
The landis contened in the defignatione payes of greffome ilk
thrie yeare ane thowfand fex hundereth threttie eight
poundis, which beand devydit in thrie partes, will augment
the yearlie dewtie, ilk yeare, 546 \.
Thair doeth ly yerelie ouerheid, within the boundis afoirfaid,
of fifcher boittis ffyftein, which boittis payes of ground leiue,
ilk ane of thame, twa duzen fifche, and ane barrell fait, efti-
mat to fax pundis for the boitt, inde, . . ■ . 90 t.
The caine fowles of the whole landis defigned to the Bifchope
ar ane thowfand fourefcoir fax fowles, comptand fax fcoir to
the hunderethe, whairof deducit for the Thrid, foure fcoir
fevin, fwa reftis ane thowfand nyntein fowles at ane fchilling
fowre penyes the peice, inde, . . . . 8 It. 5 s. 4 d.
The peatis payed furth of the faidis landis are threttie ane
faddome at fyftie thre fchillingis fowre penyes the faddom,
inde, 82t. 13 s. 4d.
Summa, . £6363, lis. lOd.
G. Murray.
CCIX.— THE AECHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred and Gratiouse Soveraigne,
The peril that growis to religioun by the abounding of Papiftis
in this your Maiefties Kingdom, and thair abounding proceding cheifl)
from the overfight gifin to the Marques of Huntley, lies mufit ws, in a
342 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
meting we kept at Edinburgh the 22 of this monethe, to appoint ane
intimatioun, of new, of his and Errolis excommunicatioun. But in
regard a fufpenfioun wes grantit to the Marqueffe be your Maiefties
command, for a certain tym, that he fuld not complain of hard dealing
on our parte, we haif ordanit him to be cited to a certain day in the
beginning of November, to heir the faid fufpenfioun difchargit, and the
intimatioun concludit againft him. His recourfe wilbe to your Maieftie,
quhofe gracioufe favoris he hes longe abufit, and wil think by fum pro-
hibitioun from your Hienes to put back this ftroke of Difciplin ; but, did
your Maieftie vnderftand the trew ftate of thingis, the Papiftis infolence,
and our cace at this tym, we fuld not fear he wold obtein any fuche
commandement. Sir, the truthe is, that al thofe Northe partis ar plainly
inclyning to a defectioun, numberis of Recufantis, griter then at any tym
before, Preiftis and Jefuitis intertayned, baptifing and marying as tbai
haif occafioun, and this in more open forte then thai haif ben accuftomed :
the blame of al being call vpon ws that ar Bifchops, fome calling it our
negligence, otheris our feare, and otheris, even of our beft minifteris,
hafing chargit ws in our facis at this meting as the caufe of this evil,
haif defyrit ws if we culd not amend it, to deceave the Churche no
more, and tak not vpon ws to govern that quhiche we cannot haif
governed. Qhether fuche fpechis as thefe may walken ws, we leave it
to your Maieftie to be confident, fpeciallie qhen, in our own know-
ledge, thair is more then jult mater gifin tharn, and above that qhiche
we can or think gud maners to trouble your Maieftie with in this letter.
Our humble petitioun is thairfore to your Maieftie, that if the Marqueffe
fal mein him felf againft this procedinge, he may be commandit be your
Hienes to tak fome courfe for fatiffeing the Churche, and procure him
felf to be abfolvit from the excommunicatioun vnder qhiche he lyis,
the contempt qhairof in his perfon wil bred the difdain and contempte
with ws of al Difciplin : qhairin affuring our felfis of your Maiefties
gracioufe favour, that we in fome fort may be freed from the malicioufe
calumnies of the wickit, and that God and your Maieftie may haif that
obedience, qhiche becummis of al your fubiectis.
We commit other thingis that we thocht to haif addit, to the remem-
brance of your Maiefties fervant Jhon Murrey, to qhom we haif written
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 343
at griter lenthe, and prayis God Almyghtie to faif your Maieftie from al
your enemyis, and gif your Hienes perpetual peace and profperitie.
Your Maiefties moft humble and obedient fervants,
Cathnes. Sanctandrois.
Murraye. Glasgow.
Ja. B. of Orcads. Pa. B. of Ross.
An. Lismoren. Dunblanen.
Edinburgh, the 23 Junj 1614.
To his moft Sacred Maieftie.
CCX.— THE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS TO JOHN MURRAY OF
LOCHMABEN.1
Rycht assurit Freind :
In the letter we haif fent to his Maieftie, we referrit two particu-
laris to be by yow communicat to his Hienes : The firft is, anent the offer
ane gentilman lies maid for apprehending fum Jefuitis and Maffing
preifts, and prefenting tham to the Counfal. The offer wes maid of four,
but now one of tham is deceafit, took ficknes in the Lard of Gichtis
houfe, wes caryit furth to one of his tennentis, and buryit fecreitly ; the
reft leue in the cuntrey, and wer never more bufic then at this prefent.
The gentilman is ready to vndertake thair apprehenfioun vpon fecuritie
of reward ; but without this wil not hafart for any promife can be gifin
him. The Archbifchop of Glafgow told ws, from his Maieftie, that the '
man fuld be furly rewardit according as his fervice fuld be found worthie ;
but to indent for euery man vpon ane particular fowm before hand, culd
not be expedient, and mycht turn to the preiudice of him that fervit, feing
he myght fal vpon ane that is worth ten thowfand lib ; yit this mufis him
1 This and the preceding letter care in Spottiswood's handwriting.
344 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1G14.
not. We haif afkit, we mean fuche of ws as he travellis with in this offer,
qhat the men ar, alledging thai mycht be fo vyl bodies as it mycht fal
his Maieftie wold not count tham worth v. fii. : His anfwer is, That thai
ar men of alfe good account as ony of that forte ; and fayis, that qhen
he lies apprehendit tham, he wil furnifche probatioun of thair reffet and
intertaynement in noblemen and gentilmenis houfis, qho by the law
wilbe punifchable, and wil be glaid to compone for thair remiffionis to a
far greater fowm then he cravis; for qhiche, that fo good ane occa-
fioun be not loft, qhairof we do not vnderftand qhat may be the
event, and that his Maieftie be not put to greater chargis then is
nedful, we haif thocht, that it falbe good his Maieftie command the The-
faurar Deput to conferre with the gentleman, and gif him fecuritie of
that qhiche he cravis ; the fervice being done, and he making gud the
reffet, qhiche he offeris to qualifie, for this way the penalties of thair
intertayners wil refound al and much more then is cravit.
The other particular concernis the Bifchop of Orkney. In qhat
vncertantie that benefice lyis his Maieftie knowis fufficiently : the laft
Parliament diffolvit the Bifchoprick, and extinguifchit al former mortifi-
catiouns of landis and livingis appertening thairto, vpon promife a new
foundatioun fuld be maid be fum of our fyghtis, and a commiffioun wes
grantit to that effect ; yit fince that tym, it is two yeiris now almoft
expyrit, nothing lies procedit, but from day to day hes it ben delayit,
qhyles vpon one pretexte, qhyles vpon another ; the Bifchop vndone very
nigh with his perfewing of the bufines, and the Churche lyk in end to
refaif ane incurable preiudice; for be delayis it may cum in end that
ane erecHoun be never maid of a benefice thair, and be it not done in
his Maiefties tym, qhiche God Almychtie longe continew, qhat fuc-
ceffe we may promife our felfis in fuche a fute ye wil eafily judge. The
ftay that laft the bufines refavit, wes ane allegeance that the landis agreit
to be gifin the Bifchop did exced the fowm condifcendit vpon, and this
wes qualefcit in the entreffe that vfis to be givin every fyve yeiris be
the tennentis, qhiche wes thocht at that tym to exced the fowm allowit
to lum in fyve hundreth lib. Scotis ycirly. Now tryal being takin in the
cuntrey of the worthe of thefe landis, they ar found to be within the
fowm ; and entreffe, and al profitis reckonit, the Bifchop fal not haif, if
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 345
his payment wer never fo guid, thre hundreth lib. above. But the ftate
of that cuntrey is knowen, and the povertie of the tennentis fuche as no
man can expect a ful and compleit payment of the dewty, the landis
being racked to the higheft rent be the Erie ; and for a matter of fo light
importance to mak fuche queftiouns and delayis, we ar affurit is againft
his Maiefties knowledge and plefure. Thocht the entreffe wer of a
greater confequence, is thair any fuperiour that wil count of his entreffe
fo as mak it ane parte of his rent, the fam being fubiect to fo many
vncertanties ? or is thair ony Bifchop in the cuntrey that wantis thefe
cafualities, and many mo, of the landis thai poffeffe? It wer pitie a
Bifchoprik of his Maiefties foundatioun (for fo it wilbe callit heirafter)
fuld be fo ftricl;ly lukte to, as not a fyften lib. ftirling mycht paffe
vnreckonit. Befydis al, his Maieftie hes fermit the landis to Sir James
Stewart, we mean the landis and living of Orkney, for fourtie thowfand
merkis yeirly, qhairin thir of the Bifchops ar not comprehendit ; ney-
ther wil the paffing of his gift diminifche any parte of his Maiefties rent.
Adde vnto this, the prefent Bifchop's fervice done in the Churche, and
particularly in quyeting thofe partis, and bringing tham to [lawfull]1
obedience, qhiche fuld be remembrit, and we hope falbe, the rather of
[the poor] eftate of that cuntrey, qhiche we leave otheris to adver-
tife, only we [think] that it is not lyk, fuche inconvenientis had arifen as
now apperis, if [the rule] of the countrey had continewit in his perfon.
In confideratioun of al, we moft humbly intreat his Maieftie to fend
dire[c~tioun,] that the fignatoris qhiche we think ar in the Threforer
Deputis handis may cum [here], and being figned be his Maieftie and
the Erie of Somerfet, the fam may go throw the fealis, for the affuring
of the Bifchop prefent, and al his fucceffouris, in al tymis after.
Thir thingis we remit to your gud occafionis to remember, intreating
yow that we may haif anfwer for bothe, qhich, if his Maieftie be plefit,
may be fet down in one letter to Sir Gedeon, and we think your privat
to him, be his Maiefties command in bothe the trandis, wil fuffice ; for
the one is, to fend vp the fignatoris of the Bifchop of Orkney, and the
other, to mak furtie to a gentleman that falbe brocht vnto him for
1 A small portion of the margin in this place, containing the words supplied within
brackets, is torn off.
2x
346 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
vndertaking fuch a bufines. We muft be alwayis trublefom vnto yow ;
but if we can no more, we fal pray God to bleffe yow, and al thofe that
love the peace and profperitie of his Churche.
Your moft affurit at our power,
Sanctandrois.
Cathnes. Glasgow.
Pa. B. of Ross. Murraye.
DtJNBLANEN.
To my honorabill good freind, Jhon Murray of
Lochmaban, of his Maiefties bedchalmer.
CCXI.— THE BISHOP OF GALLOWAY [TO MR DAVID HUME OF
GODSCROFT.1]
Honorable Sir,
If this Tretife had cum funner in my hands, it fould have cum
funner to yow be me. My refolutione was that non heir fould have fein
it befor your felf. How they ar publifched to uthers befor I gat them,
1 knaw not. It is againft my will that I have enterid in this conten-
tione with anie that fears God, efpeciallie with yow.2 But qhwen ye
confidder, ye will fie ye provokit me unto it by fore accufations of my
confcience, my miniftrie. The lyk hes never bein written againft a man
not condemnit of herefie, and I have bein forcit to anfwer, not for eafe
of my confcience, for I thank the Lord no woord of ony creatour can
impair my peace, but for defenfe of my miniftrie, leift it fould bein made
wnprofitable to the Church. That I knaw, I never offendit yow, and
hes mony times mervelled quhat fould have movit yow to have written
i'o hardlie againft me, and that publiklie ; for in your letter, fent to me
with the Admonitione, your woords wer, " I have doone yow no wrong,
1 The address is not preserved ; but the letter is indorsed, — " Cowper to Mr D. Home."
1 Hume of Godscroft addressed to Cowper " An Admonitorie Letter," in answer to
" The Bishop of Galloway his Apologie." The treatise here mentioned, was " The Bishop
of Galloway his Dikaiologie : containing a iust Defence of his former Apologie against
the iniust imputations of Mr David Hume." London 1G14, 4to, pp. 183.
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 347
except it be that I have publifched this to utheris befor ye had fein it
your felf, becaufe a publik caufe mult be publiklye handlit." Thefe ar
your woords, as your awin letter will witnes, and thairfor have ye na
caufe to grudge at my publicatioune of ane Anfwer (as I heir ye do),
nather is thair ony fharpnes in it anfwarable to the bitternes of your
Admonitioune. It may be I have gone out of the compas of fobrietie, yit
not fo far as ye have laid me by your example. We ar but men, fub-
ject to our owin infirmities as uthers ar. Always, if ony woords falbe
thocht mor fcharplie fpoken than becumes, by fuch as ar indifferent,
or yit your felf being judge, ye confiddering it out of a fober and equit-
able mynd, I fall not be afchamed in als publik a mainer to reftor yow
fourfold. For this I may fay, of all them that hes written againft me,
ye have delt moft honeftlie with me in this, that ye have putt to your
name whair they have concealed theirs ; and this I hope to mak publik
to all men or it be long, thoght not ony mor by fuch polimiks, which I
fie ar not pleifant to peaceable men of either fyd. Bot as to them, if
they be perfwadit they defend the caufe of God, it becums them to have
fhewed themfelfs, for quhat place fould beene to feare in that caufe ; and
for my pant, I fould have employed my credit to have gone betwein
them and his Maieftie his difpleafur, for I feek no man's difadvantage.
And the Lord, who knawes the fecreits of all hairts, will be witnes to
me, that if licht had not led me in this, for all the kingdomes in the
world, I wald not have takin me to this opinioun. I fpeik not this
craving ony peace of your penne : wryt as ye think good, and as God
fall derect yow. As ye was the firft, fo if ye pleafe tak yow the laft
woord in this flit : [if] they be perfonall invectives, I arme me with
patience ; if againlt the caufe, there is aneuch written for it alreddie.
The Church, be God's grace, fhall not long want fome better fruit of
my labours, in bothe the languages, quherin, if I can ony way knaw I
have wronged yow, be the grace of God, I fhall be about to mend it.
Thus commending yow to his gratious protectioune, I reft,
One that loveth you in the Lord,
Edinburgh, June 24, 1614. W. B. of Galloway.
Expects anfwer, if ye pleafe.
318 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
CCXIL— LORD BINNING TO JOHN MURRAY.
Sra,
I reffaued from yow one letter, be the Archbifhop of Glafgow,
anent your turnes concerning the Chapell Royall and the Bifchop of
Galloway ; and ane vther from Archibald Cambell, anent the particu-
lars which he vndertuke. For thefe I can anfueir no farder, bot that he
and thefe whom the bufines concernes, fall be tymelie remembred of thair
promeis, and preaffed to performe thair dewtie, if thair turnes fucceid ;
whairof I Hand in great dowt.
I wrait to yow that the Bifchop of Galloway had promeifed, verie
freindlie, to fettle your teynds. Kirkonell, who did folicite that bufines,
having ended your affaires with Barnbarroch and Drummorell, is now
gone to the cuntrie for your affaires and his owne.
Your affaires with Lochinvar1 delayes, till his cumming bale to the
towne, and bringing of his evidentis to your man of law, of the lands
whairof yow fould have right from him. The gentilman whoes confent
is neceffar in that fecuritie will not be heir, whill anfueir cum from Court
in the mater concerning him, which wes exfpedted before this tyme ; and
the longer delay of it may be imputed to me, albeit the help lyes not in
my hand till it cum from aboue. Thairfore, if that mater be not
alreddie difpatched, I pray yow further the anfueir, fuch as his Maieftie
fall be pleifed to grant.
The reft of your affaires will be maid knowne to yow be letters from
James Hamilton, and vther freinds, to which I refer me ; and, commit-
ting yow to God's mercifull protection, I reft
Your moft affe6tionat and bund freind,
Binning.
Edinburgh, 8 Julij [1614].
1 Sir Robert Gordon of Lochinvar, whose eldest son, John, was created Viscount of
Kenmure, in March 1633.
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 349
We exfpect that the Bifchop of Galloway fall, this efternoone, expeid
the takkis of your teindis for ane lyfrent, and nynteine yeires thairefter.
And becaus he lies obteaned Broughton's infeftments of the owteinds
decerned to mak no faith for non-produc"tion, which we knew not before,
he is willing to renew your furetie thairof. It is fit that, be your letter
of thankis, you tak notice of his kyndnes, for we find him verie hairtlie
and reddie.
To the right worfliipfull John Murray
of Lochmaben, one of his Maiefties
bedchamber at Court.
CCXEI.— THE EABL OF DUNFERMLINE TO JOHN MURRAY.
Right Honorabill Cotjsing,
I haue refaued your kindlie letter from my Lord Bifchop offGlafgow,
and can nocht bot thank yiow off yiour monye teftimonies off kindnes.
Quhen eiuer that mater concerning the Chapell Royall fall be handled,
I fall doe gud will to my powar baith for yiour fatiffa&ioun and Sir
Robert Gordounis, as yie recommend to me. Yiour bedfallow is nocht yit
returned to this toun, bot I haue ane great complaint to yiow off hir, for
na treatie I can mak to hir, Ihoe will nocht tak ane chalmer heir in the
Kingis houfe, quhilk my bedfallow maid readie to hir, and I think ather
yie or fhoe fould be als hamelie and priuat with me as with onye, and
fpecialie in this houfe.
Becaus my Lord Fentoun. is reteired to Ingilfeild for his health the
tyme off this progres, yie man excufe my hamelines to trubill yiow with
my pacquettis, and to burding yiow to be cairfull my lettirs be furelie
deliured. I recommend to yiow fpecialie at this tyme to fie deliured with
diligence myne to my Lord off Bruntiland, Sir Robert Meluill, and to
my Lady Roxbrough, my fifter. As to onye fie occurrence as wee haue
heir, I doubt nocht bot yie ar participant to fie, as my Lord Secretaii
writes to his Maieftie : for all is heir (praifed be God) quiet, in good
350 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
iuftice and obedience. Thus ending this prefent, wiffes yiow all weill
and happenes,
Yiour louing Coufing to feme yiow,
Frome Halyruidhoufe, 8 Julij 1614. Dunfermeljne.
I man nocht foryiett to giff yiow speciall
thankis for the guidwill and fauour I
vnderstand off my nepuieu, Sir Claud
Hamiltoun, yie haue schawin to him in this
besines he hes had adoe.
To the right honorabill my affured good
freind, Jhone Murray, in his Maief-
ties bedchalmer.
CCXIV.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO JOHN MURRAY.
Right Worschipfull Sir,
Efter my hartlie commendations, pleafe receive four prefenta-
tions, to be offered to his Majeftie to be figned in favour of two poore
Minifters within my diocie, quhilk pleafe returne with als great fpeid as
ye may. Thus I am bold to trouble yow, hoping for good and kynd
acceptance, in the old maner, as ye may affure yourfelff of my conftant
affeciioun, and goodwill of the reft of my eftate to the wttermoft, and
fo, efter my moft hartie prayers to God for blimng and conferuation
to our Soverane Maifter, I commit yow to Godis bleffed direction,
and I reft,
Your moft affured and loving brother,
Edinburgh, 8 Julij 1614. Sanctandrois.
To the right worfchipfull and my loving
brother, Johne Murray, one of his
Majefties bedchamber.
t
ADDITIONAL LETTERS AND NOTES,
f2r
fc
ADDITIONAL LETTERS AND NOTES.1
Page 8. Line 14.
[Mr James Duncanfon : His name as Minuter of Tullibody and Alloa,
in the Diocefe of Dunblane, occurs in the Affignation of Stipends for
16H.]
Page 9. IH.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
James R.
Eight trufty and welbeloued Cowfen and Counfellouris, Wee
greete yow hartely well. Hauing vnderftood, by a complaint from the
Marques of Huntlie, that the Prefbyterie of Aberdene intendes to pro-
ceede to Excommunication againft him and his Lady for not communi-
cating, although he heares Conference, frequentes the Sermons, and
yealdes all outward obedience, and craues a reafonable tyme to refolue
him before he be enforced to Communicate : Wee haue thought good
to acquaynte yow with our mynde in that matter, That although the
laid Marques his behauiour hath not bene fuch in Our feruice as Wee
ought to extend any clemency or curtefie towardes him vpon his owne
deferte, yet becaufe Wee holde that a mater of mere confcience to com-
pelle [any man] to communicate before he finde a ftedfaft refolution
[in his harte] to do it, Wee cannot find their refolution [reafonjable : So
that if the faid Marques be contented to finde fufficient caution, or
may be hable to verifie that he offers to hear conference, frequentes
the fermons, obeyes the lawes anent the receipt of Excommunicated
1 The page, and the number followed by a J, denote the place in this volume to which
the Notes or Additional Letters belong, according to the respective dates.
354* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1604.
perfons and Recufants, and generallie fatiffyes in all other pointes of
externall obedience the Difcipline of the Kirk, It is Our pleafour that
yee graunt him fufpenfion, and difchardge them of any proceeding
againft him, vnder paine of horning. So Wee commende yow to God.
Prom Our Caftle of Windefore, the xxvth of September 1604. '
To Our right trufty and weilbeloued Cowfen and
Counfellouris, The Earl of Montros, Chanceller,
and remanent Lordis and others of Our Counfell
of Eftate in Our Kingdome of Scotland.
Page 13. VLf
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt trufty and weilbelouit Cofines and Councellouris, We grete
yow wele : Althoght We gaif Our dire&ioun to Sir Alexander Stratoun
of Lowrieftoun, that in materis of Excommunicatioun of Noblemen, he
fould advife the Brethrene of the Minifterie to proceid with greate
moderatioun, and to vfe all goode meanis, rather by lenitie to reduce
thame, than by ouer great rigour thay fould be «xaiperated, in whiche
1 Among other letters regarding the proceedings against George Sixth Earl and
First Marquis of Huntley, for his adherence to Popery, the Marquis, on the 20th
November, expresses to the King his gratitude for the above letter in his favour to the
Privy Council ; and mentions that notwithstanding the authority of the Privy Council,
the Presbytery of Aberdeen had summoned him to appear on the 2d of January fol-
lowing, " meaning that day to proceid aganis me and my wyf, not regarding your most
excellent Majesties will ;" and he adds, that if he were not exempted for one year from
their malicious dealings, he would be forced, with his wife and family, to leave the king-
dom. (Letters and State Papers, p. 60.) The King, on the 22d of March, directs the
Council " to have ane special cair and regard that the Ministeris, moveris of that question
aganis the Marques of Huntley, be contenit within the boundis of moderation." On the
1st of April his Majesty specially alludes to the letter presented by Mr John Forbes,
vhich is printed in the present volume, at page 14. And on the 20th of that month,
the Lord Chancellor reports to the King the Council's proceedings in that matter. (Let-
ters, &c, p. 72.)
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 355*
preceding they fould vfe the advife firft of the Commiffionaris of the
Generall Affembley, and yf thay find ony Nobleman who is to be cen-
furit refractarie or vnwilling to conforme him felff to the law, that
vpoun thair requifitioun to yow, yow call thame [him] befoir yow, and
finding him diffobedyent, that yow concur with the Minifterie, that as
thay execute the Spirituall cenfure, fo yow may extend the Civile power
aganis thame ; bot by the contrair, yf yow find the Nobilman willing
to fatiffie the Kirk in all thingis, failfing that he find fome waiknes
wherby he defyris not to be haiftelie preffit with Communicating, that
in that cais, or ony of the lyke nature, wherin thair appeirith no malice
nor publicl fclander, that yow interpofe your auctoritie to difcharge
the Minifterie of fuche proceding till We be firft aduerteiffit, vnder
fuche pane as yow think requifite ; not that by this courfe We meane
any fauour to fuche as fhall thus diffobey, bot that thair ouer great
haift mak not thair procedingis contemptible, whiche We wiflie fould
not be vfed aganis greate perfonageis bot with great wifdome and dif-
cretioun, and vpoun notable and knowne diffobedyence. So not doubt-
ing bot yow will als cairfullie manteyne all thair lauchfull procedingis,
and fee all dew obedyence to be indifferentlie yealdit vnto thame by all
Our fubiectis, as We wiflie yow to moderat thair extraordinarie rafhnes,
We bid yow all fairwele. From Oure Pallace of Whytehall, the xj of
Februair 1605.
To Oure right trufty and weilbelouit Cofines
and Counfellouris, The Erllis, Lordis, and
otheris of Oure Counfell of Eftate in Oure
Countreyis of North Britayne.
Page 18. Xl/f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James K.]
* Truftie and weilbelouit Cofine and Counfellour, We grete yow
wele : We haif hard of the lait meiting of fome of the Minifterie at
356* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
Abirdeyne, and has fene the copy of all thair proceidingis, whiche "We
find to fauour nothing els hot of feditioun and plane contempt of Ws
and Our authoritie, fo We ar fullie refolued to haif thir beginningis
prevented, and that ane prefent remeid be rather applyed, then that
be the increfie of the malladye the cure fould heirefter be of greater
difficultie, and We haif particularlie noted fuch fpeciall placeis, wherby
thair feditious thoghtis ar cleirlie difcouerit, which We haif fend to yow,
that with an Aduocat yow may confult alfwele of the particularis heir
fet down as of all vtheris thingis whilkis you may gadder and colled
your felff furth of this Hiftorie of thair procedingis, and that vpoun the
fame laughfull proces may be deduceit aganis thame, according to the
qualitie of thair offence. As firft in that point of thair proceding,
quhair mentioun is maid that Our Commiffioner did prefent the Coun-
fellis letter vnto thame, markit in the copie heirwith fend with this
figure (t), thay wald witnes and atteft thair willingnes to the fatiffac-
tioun of Ws and Oure Counfell, fa fer as myght ftand with the Worde
of God and the teftimonie of thair Confcience. Now the reule of thair
Confcience being thair awn confait and apprehenfioun, thay think thame
felffs no forder aftricled to Oure obedyence and fatiffaciioun then fall
feame to thame felffis expedyent. Nixt, in that miffiue letter written to
the Counfell, in that pairt markit with this (x), in making mentioun of
the difcharge of thair dewitie, thay nominat God, Kirk, and thair Con-
fcience, bot the mentioun of ony dewitie to Ws thair Prince and Soue-
rane is omitted, as yf nowther Nature nor the Worde of God had
evir dire6tit obedyence of Subie&is to thair Natiue Princes ; and in the
faid letter, thairefter, at this figne (*£■), thay wald mak this thair Apo-
logie for thair proceding, That thay fould not be the firft oppynnaris of
ane gape to the oppin breache and violatioun of the lawis and ftatutis
of this realme, willing the Counfell to wey and confidder thairof, as yf
thay wald mak ane plane accufatioun of fum tyrannie intendit be Ws,
to the preiudice of the lawis of that Our kingdome, ane fpeeche alto-
gidder fmelling of treafoun and Lefe Maieftie, and onlie vtterit be thame
to mak Oure fubieclis jealous of Oure proceidingis, and, fa fer as in
thame lyis, to rais tumult and feditioun in that Oure kingdome. * And
laft, wheras vpoun the delyuerie of the Counfallis letter thay willed the
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 357*
Laird of Loureiftoun to remove, thay in the meantyme ceaffing to
intreate of otheris materia, did continew the Affemblie whill Twifday
the laft of September, in that thay did tak vpoun thame the full au6to-
ritie and power of ane Generall Affembley, and in doing thairof without
warrand or audtoritie, thay committed ane manifeft contempt and diffo-
bedyence : In which foirfaidis, and mony other thingis that may be
obferved in the Hiftorie of thair procedingis, We doubt not hot that
thir vnreulie fpirittis that hes conuenit at this tyme hes dire6llie come
vnder the compas of Oure law, and may be procedit aganis and
punifhed as trefpaffouris in a very heich degree, wherein, howeuir, Oure
inclinatioun hes bene frome Oure nativitie difpofit to clemencie, and
free of all rigour and feueritie, yitt in this We do feir muche that lenitie
fall produce no goode effect : And it being ane great deall better that
ane vnneceffarie member be cutt af then that be the gangrene and cor-
ruptioun of it the haill body fould be endangerit, We will rather male
choife to caufe proceid with rigour and extremitie aganis fome of thir,
according to the qualitie of thair cryme, then by fuffering thame to
efchaip with fuch faultis, to mak otheris, vpoun hoip of lyke impunitie,
to mak no accompt to committ the lyke trefpas ; and thairfoir, efter you
haif confultit with Oure Aduocat, you fall aggrauat to Oure Counfell
the haynoufnes of thair crymes, and thairefter aduerteis Ws how far
thay haif come within the compas of the law, and what dew punifhment
the fame dois appoint for fuch lyke offenffes, and We fall returne to you
Oure will and pleafour what farder We wald haif to be done heiranent ;
forder, We perfaue that thair is not ony of thefe Minifteris bot ar vnder
a compas of Oure law for vnlauchfull Convocatioun, at the leift con-
vening of Oure lieges, not onlie without Oure licence bot directlie aganis
Oure commande gevin to the contrarie, whiche is diredtlie criminall.
Sua We bid you farewele.
Frome Havering in the Bour, the xix of Julij 1605.
To Oure truftie and weilbelouit Counfellour,
The Lord of Balmerinocht, Oure Princi-
pal! Secretarie of Scotland.
358* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
Page 19. Line 2.
[Thefe two letters from Mr Robert Bruce, without date, belong to June
1607. See note l, page 88 ; alfo the letter in this Appendix, from
the Privy Council, dated 2d of June 1607.]
Page 22. XlV.f
THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO HIS MAJESTY KING: JAMES.
Pleis yodb Sacred Maiestie,
We reffauit and has confidderit at length, with no fmall content-
ment, your Maiefleis moft worthy labouris for the confutatioun of that
pretendit Affemblie haldin at Abirdene ; the quhilk as in itfelff by no
reafon can be mantenit, fo when we perufed thofe verie and trew
groundis wherby your Maieftie fo fenfiblie and fuccincUie layed oppin
thair erroris, and that thair doing wes eftablifheit by none of thefe war-
randis which thay vntrewlie pretendit, as we haif fund oure felffis the
better confirmed in oure former opinion, fo by the publicatioun we haif
maid of that excellent Difcourfe, ' quhairin everie man may fie the trew
anatomic of a laughfull Affemblie, and how the fame moft be warranted,
we perfuade owre felff that nowther Minifter nor other fubiecT; who is led
by reafoun, acknowlegeis your Maiefleis Royall audtoritie, or loueis the
weill and quietnes of the Kirk, hot will alluterlie condemne the faid
meiting, and judge the authouris and foftereris of fo prefumptuous and
infolent ane acl; worthie punifhment ; and albeit we could wifhe the few
number that hes attempted this enormitie to acknowledge thair errour,
and that for the fclander of thair profeffioun, the memorie of it wer
abolifheit, yitt, yf pleis your Maieftie, who beft knawis quhat remedyes
ar fitteft for fuch difperat difeaffes, wherof your Royall Maieftie hes
1 The Discourse or Declaration, " which his Highnesse tooke occasion to pen with his
owne hand," is inserted in the subsequent " Declaration of the iust Causes, &c." Imprinted
at London, 1G06, 4to. See note to the subsequent letter, page 360.*
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 359*
curit verie money, to prefcryve the forme, we fall profequite the fame
without refpect of perfone. We haif this day examined fax of the prin-
cipallis, that wer in the Blaknes, vpoun thefe Interrogatouris we
reffauit frome your Maieftie. Thair Anfueris,1 vnder thair hand, we
haif fend to the Erll of Dunbar, to be fene at your Maiefteis opor-
tunitie. So humblie craving to be dire6tit by your Maieftie in thir
affairis, fpecialie of the Kirk, the peace wherof hes onlie lyff frome your
Maiefteis princelie cair, as we fhall imploy oure waik endevouris to fol-
low furth the fame to your Maiefteis contentment. iTe wifhe youre
moft Sacred Maieftie, in all felicitie, a lang and profperous regne.
Frome Perth, the [blank] day of September 1605. 2
Page 35. XXI.f
LOKD BALMERINOCH, SECRETARY TO HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES.
Pleis your most Sacred Maiestie,
The Laird of Laurenftoun and I being dealling, conforme to your
Maiefties dire&ioun, with the Bifchope of Dunkell,3 for ane furrander
of the Bifchoprik in favore of Mr James Nicolfoun, the newis cam to
us that the Archbifchop of Yorke wes depairted this lyff, whairupone
I have prefumed to pute your Maieftie in mynd of that ye commandit
me, to certifie the Bifchop of Briftoll of his remove to [Durham ?], and
granting of the Denerie of Yorke to the Bifchop of Dunkell.4 I am
1 These Interrogatories, and the Answers, are preserved by Calderwood, (History, vol.
vi., p. 293—295.)
* In the volume of Privy Council Register, " Royal Letters, &c, Jan. 1604 — Mar.
1612," there are transcripts of other letters relating to the prosecution of the six im-
prisoned Ministers. One of these from the Privy Council to the King, dated Halyrud-
hous, [blank] December 1605, informs his Majesty of the trial of the six Ministers, the issue
of which, it is said, was mainly owing to " the dexteritie" and " the authoritie over his
friends" made use of for that end by the Earl of Dunbar.
3 Mr Peter Rollock of Piltoun, Advocate : see note to page 224.
4 This mode of satisfying the titular Bishop of Dunkeld for his proposed resignation
did not take effect, as Thornborough, Bishop of Bristol, was not translated to Durham
and was allowed to hold the Deanery of York in commendam.
f2z
360* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
perfwadit iff Mr James Nicolfoun wer fetled in that place, and Mr
Andro Lamb in Brichen, nane of that calling either can or may doe
that, that thay may, for advanceing the Bifchopes eftait. Thus remit-
ting to your Maiefties princelie wifdome how to difpofe in thir materis
tending to the furderence of that fervice, I humblie craive your
Maiefties pardone, willing to your Maieftie, efter ane lang and happie
regne, eternall felicitie. From your Maiefties Pallace of Halyrudhous,
20 January 1606.
Page 38. XXIII.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfallouris, We
grete you wele : Efter the repeiting agane of Oure hairtie thankis vnto
you for your moft refolute, difcrete, and diligent behaviour in your
cariage anent the Conuuftioun of thefe contemptuous and rebellious
Minifteris, We haif now thoght gude, for putting ane conclufioun and
end to this vnpleafant vexatioun of yours in Oure feruice, to fett you
doun in thefe prefentis Oure cleir mynd and refolutioun wberby you
may gouerne your felffis in the fatling and determining of this fafheous
proces.
Upoun two pointis you expect Oure anfuer and refolutioun : Firft,
Anent the forder proceding with the Perfonis alreddy convicted; and
nixt, Quhat ordour falbe takin with thair other Brethrene that ar in all
circumftanceis oft guiltie in the lyk caifes with thame felffis.
As for the Perfonis alreddy convicted, Oure will is That as you your
felffis haue alreddy acquented Ws with the ordour gevin for thair ftrait
imprifonment, that fo the fame may be putt in dew executioun, to witt,
that thay be imprifonned in diuers rowmis, euery one fingle be him felff,
without accefs of ony creature bot thair keiparis ynto thame, and all
fuche circumftanceis of ftraitnes vfed vnto thame as is vfuall for con-
dempnit perfonis (laying on of yrnis onlie excepted.)
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 361*
Bot becaus Oure meaning and intentioun evir wes and ftill is rather
to falve the foir of that erroneous and feditious opinioun of the denyall
of Oure Au&oritie Eegall, then to vfe ony rigour vpoun the perfonis of
the offenderis, yf thay micht ony way be reduceit to the acknowledge-
ment of thair offence, and with the Ancient Chriftian Churche rather to
anathematize and rute out the herefey then diftroy the perfone of the
herityke, We haif heirfoir thoght goode that yee Oure Secretarie fuld
putt in frayme a fhorte Declaratour of Oure intentioun and courfe of
proceding in this bufynes, fetting doun thairin alfwele thair firft con-
temptuous Conventicle (thoght by thame callit ane Affembley) as alfo
thair inexcufable contempt and difobedyence thairin boith to Oure awne
chargeis and to Oure Counfellis letters and admonitionis ; and fo frome
the beginning difcourfeing and difcovering all the pointis of thair obfti-
nacie opponed to Oure gentle and patient proceding with thame who,
as We neuir did refufe the Minifteris frome the keiping of ane Generall
Affembley, fo wer We euir reddy to caus the fame be keipit in dew
tyme and place, as Oure awne fchorte Declaratour maid by Oure awne
felff, and fent you frome Oure hunting Progres the laft yeare, doith
moir largelie beir witnes, whiche We wald lykewayis haue you to repeat
in the faid treatife ; lykeas, for forder conviclioun of thair obftinacie, We
haif laitlie caufit a Generall Affembley to be proclamed,1 as is notour to
all men, and thairfoir this point which is now in queftioun may be fo
explained thairin as it may be richtlie vndirftoode be all men ; no quef-
tioun being now in hand anent the lauchfulnes and vnlauchfulnes of ane
Generall Affembley, nor yitt what is the power and limittis thairof ; bot
onlie Oure authoritie having bene moft heichlie contemned by thair
keiping of fuche ane baife and vnlauchfull Conuenticle, to the manifeft
difobedience and breache of Oure chargeis and prohibitionis in the con-
trair: The queftioun now is, Quhidder We may not be competent
Judge to thefe thair rebellious procedingis, joyned with thair Declina-
1 " Upon the 26th of September [1605] a warrant is gevin out at Hampton Court, for
holding an Assemblio at Dundie, the last Tuisday of Julij (but in what yeare never a
word, and so to be holdin ad Grcecat Calendar), to stoppe the mouths of unquiett spirits,"
&c (Calderwood's History, vol. vi. p. 333 ; and at p. 338 is given the Proclamation
itself from one of the printed copies.)
362* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
tour of Oure Judicatour in that caife ? And that in the faid Treatife or
Declaratour it may be cleirlie maid manifeft to the world how far this
queftioun differris frome dipping ony way, How far ane King or Counfell
may cognofce and determine vpoun cauffis meir Spirituall, and belonging
to the effence of Godis Worfhippe ; fince in this caife thair is nothing by
you medlit into bot the judgeing and punifhement of ane infolent ryott
dire&lie diffobeying Oure commandementis : As lykewayis the doubteing
vpoun the interpretatioun of the A61 of Parliament will thairin be cleirit,
for the fubfequent A6fc interpreting the former is fo far frome diroga-
tioun to the other, as by the interpretatioun thairof it dois directlie
conferme it. For firft, quhair it onlie exceptis materis meir Spirituall,
and of the effence of Godis Worfhipp, it dois thairby fufficientlie include
all other thingis to be conteyned vnder the meaning of the former Act,
and that this caife hes no vicinitie with any materis meir Spirituall is
alreddy declairit.
And nixt, quhat goode fubiecl; dare anes prefume to think that becaus
in the laiter Acl; We did interprete Oure meaning in the former A6t to
haif bene to haif affumed to Oure felff any fuch Papall and Abfolute
pouer over the Worde and Worfhipp of God, the authoritie wherof, as
it dependis vpoun no flefche, fo audit no perfonis mortall whatfoeuir
medle with the change and alteratioun thairof, and that thairby We
onlie meanit is euident by the wordis of " meir Spirituall, and effentiall
Worfhip of God," contenit in the faid Acl; : Quho dar (We fay) vpoun
this fo fhameleflie and vntrewlie fubfome, as yf by thefe wordis We did
alfo include ather a refigning of that pouer onlie belonging to God in
the handis of ony Affembley, or muche leffe that ather the Policie of
the Churche ar indifferent matteris, and leaft of all ony libertie for
thame to do in materis of tyme and place at thair appetyte could euer be
meanit ; thairby making Ws by that laiter A<St to mak ane refignatioun,
as it wer, of Our Royall prerogatiue and authoritie frome Ws and Ouris
in the handis of the Generall Affembley : And thairfoir, in the preamble
of this Declaratour, it wald be fhowne that bsqaus We wer informed
that greate queftioun and difputatioun wes maid befoir the Jurye
vpoun the interpretatioun of this A6b, (althoght in end thay did moil
deutifullie conclude,) We thairfoir thoght goode, for cleiring and purge-
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 363*
ing of all Oure peoplis hartis frome ony fuch doubtis in tyme comeing,
alfwele to fet doun the trew Narratioun of this hole proces, as alfua the
trew interpretatioun of Oure meaning in the faidis Actis of Parliament,
fince to Ws as to the Supreame Judge vnder God, and maker of the
law, doeth belong the interpretatioun of Oure awne deid ; And it wald
alfo be fett doun in the conclufioun and end of the faid Declaratour,
That as this is publifheit for the fatiffactioun and trew informatioun of
all goode fubiedtis, fo We do ftraitlie and vnder all hieft pane command
and injoyne that no fubiecT; of quhatfomeuir rank, qualitie, or profef-
fioun, tak vpoun him aither in publicl; or priuat to murmure or call in
queftioun in ony foirt this Oure prerogatiue and authoritie Eoyall, with
certificatioun that the contemnaris thairof falbe reallie punifheit in the
qualitie of feditious perfonis and wilfull contemnaris of Oure juft and
laughfull gouernament.
How foone this Declaratour can be maid reddy, it wilbe fitt that not
onlie it be prented and publi&lie difperfed,1 bot lykewayis that it be putt
in the handis alfwele of the faidis Convictit perfonis as of thair Brethrene
that ar guyltie of the fame cryme.
As to thair other Brethrene that ar not yitt conui6tit, it is abfolutlie
Oure will, that with all conuenient fpeede thay be putt to the lyke
tryale, for by no reafoun in juftice or equitie can thair be ane diuifioun
maid betuix thame als long as thair concurrence boith in guylt and
1 In regard to the wish here expressed and enjoined by his Majesty, the Council in
their reply say, that " that Declaration, whereof your Majestie has so cleirlie and pain-
fullie sett doun Informatioun boith in this letter and that other from Eokingham Castle,
it salbe drawne up with such speede as your Majesties Secretarie can, considdering the
throng of the Sessioun, efter sa lang vacance, and sent to your Majestie to be reformed."
It accordingly appeared under the following title : — " A Declaration of the iust causes
of his Maiestics proceeding against those Ministers, who are now lying in prison, attainted
of high Treason. Set foorth by his Maiesties Counsell of his Kingdome of Scotland.
Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, &c, 1606." 4to, pp. 45. " Giuen at Edin-
burgh, the seventh day of March 1606." The author was Sir Thomas Hamilton, King's
Advocate, whose letter on the subject of the trial of the Six Ministers is printed in this
volume at page 38. But in regard to the prosecution of the other Ministers, the Council,
" craueing your Majesties pardon," in their letter state explicitly, that in the event of
such a trial taking place the result was very uncertain ; and it was no doubt in con-
sequence of their remonstrance that the trial did not take place.
ft
364* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
obftinacie pretendis thame to be one body ; bot this Declaratour being
firft publiffed, togidder with the preceding conuictioun of thair fellowis,
can not bot in Our opinioun remove all difficultie of thair conviclioun,
Efpeeyalie more warye electioun being maid of the nixt Afl'effouris then
wes of the former ; ffor nouther very curious fantafticall nor too fimple
perfonis ar fitt to be affeffouris, and on the other parte, thair can be no
partialitie attributit for making ane cairfull eleclioun of the nixt Affef-
fouris, for making all thingis the furar in regard that the former pre-
cedent hes alreddy decydit the queftioun. And in caife the ftrait
imprifonment of thefe Convi&it perfonis, the publiihing of this Decla-
ratour, and the conviclioun of thair criminall fellowis, can ony way haif
that operatioun (whiche We wald hairtelie wifhe) in humbling the
proude ftomakis of thefe alreddy convicted, Then vpoun your acquent-
ing Ws thairwith, We fall fignifie Our forder pleafour concerning thame.
In the meantyme, you may gif oute to the world that thair dome and
forder punifhment is onlie delayit vnto the conviclioun of thair fellowis,
who ar alyke guiltie with thame : And vpoun Oure being acquented
with the conviclioun of the reft, the publifheing of this Declaratour, and
quhat operatioun We fall find thefe thingis fall worke vpoun the partyis
thame felffis, We fall then fend ane Warrand according to the forme to
the Judge, containing the Declaratioun of Oure will anent thair dome,
whiche vntill then man be referved as Arcanam Imperij. And fo wifhe-
ing you all goode fuccefs in the conclufioun and happy end of this
bufynes, as your faithfull diligence hes bene coupled with ane goode
fortune in your proceding thairin till now, We bid you hairtlie fairwele.
Frome Oure Courte of Wliytehall, the 22 of Januar 1606.1
1 Mr John Forbes, in his " Certane Kecords," &c., refers to the above letter, when he
says, " About the 26th day of January an answer was sent from the King to the Coun-
cill, touching the doome to be pronounced," &c. ; but " which directioun wes keipt
closse by the Counsall, which with all diligence wrote back again to his Highness," &c.
(Wodrow Society edition, page 503.) The Council's Answer to this letter, already
alluded to, is recorded in the Register of the Privy Council, dated the [blank] day of
January 1606. It is, however, much too long to be given in this place ; and the King's
Reply (referred to by Forbes), and various other letters regarding this process, are not
preserved.
b
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 365*
Page 54. XXXIV.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LOEDS OF PKIVY COUNCIL.
[James K.]
Right truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
grete you wele. Our unchangeable refolutioun evir to prouyde for the
peace of the Churche of Oure haill Dominionis, and fpecialie of that
Oure Kingdome of Scotland, wherin Oure cair and panes ar manifeft to
the world, and beft known to your felffis, having moved Ws for pre-
venting of the neidles queftionis and troubles whiche might haif ariffin
in the nixt Generall Affembhe of the faid Church, yf ony fuld haif
meanit to haif annullit or alterit the Actis maid and concludit in pre-
ceding Affemblyis haldin in Oure prefence, to fend miffiues and inftruc-
tionis, whilkis wer prefentit be Oure Commiffionaris to euery particular
Synode, craving thair approbatioun of that Oure defyre, onlie tending to
thair awne weill and quietnes ; and thairin being fruftrat of that expe6tit
confent, whiche We could neuir haif fuppofit that ony wyfe or peaceable
Minifter wald haue refufit or delayit to gif, and thairby being forder
perfwadit of that whiche befoir We could hardlie beleve that oney greate
appearanceis wer fene of contentioun, trouble, and diuifione lyklie to
arife in the faid nixt Generall Affembley, vnles ordour wer wyflie tane
befoir thair convening for preventing of all fuche occafionis and hurtefull
efFe&is, Thairfoir We haif dire&it Our miffiues ' to ane goode nomber of
the Minifterie thair of the greateft leirning and experience, commanding
thame to repair towardis Ws, to the effecl; that We being trewlie
informed by thame of the diftruitis, diflykeingis, grevis, and eleiftis fallin
furth amang thame felffis, and euer lyklie to increife, and of the moft
cheritable, eafie, and permanent remedyis thairof, We micht conclude,
and fpedilie caufe publifhe Oure refolutioun and will thairanent : And
albeit We eirneftlie defirit this to be done with all poffible diligence,
1 The missives referred to were dated at Greenwich, the 21st of May 1606 : See page
48 of the present collection, and Calderwood's History, vol. vi. p. 478. The result of the
Conference at Hampton Court, in September following, is well known.
366* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
yitt knowing that a goode nomber of thefe, quhofe prefence is neceffarie
at that Oure conference and deliberatioun, may not wele be abfent from
the Parliament of Scotland, and that the tyme of Oure Progres will no
way be proper for that meiting, for want of lafer tyme and convenient
place, Thairfoir, We haif appointed thame to be heir preceiflie befoir
the fyftene day of September nixt, then to begin and with diligence to
proceid to the goode conclufioun of that treatye which neceffarlie mon
preceid the holding of the faid Generall Affembley, as ane preparatioun
of the peaceable convening, modeft proceding, and godlie conclufioun of
the fame, whiche We haif thoght goode with diligence to fignifie vnto
you, to the efFe6t you micht caus dew and lauchfull intimatioun and
publicatioun thairof, and of the neceffair caus of Continuatioun of the
faid Generall Affemblie, to the laft Tuefday of May nixttocome, wherin
affuring Oure felff of youre diligence, We bid you hairtelie fairwele.
From Oure Courte of Grenewiche, the 24 day of Junij 1606.
To Oure right trufty and weilbelouit Cofines
and Counfellouris, The Erll of Dunferm-
ling Oure Chancellour, and remanent
Lordis, and otheris of Oure Priuey Coun-
fell of Scotland.
Page 59. Line 6.
[In the introductory note to this " Report," &c, delete the fentence,
" The name of the writer, &c." as it appears the original is not in the
handwriting either of Sempill or Murray. In the foot-note, at page
62, the laft line, in place of " Sir David Murray of Gorthy was Tutor
to Prince Henry," it should read, " Sir David Murray of Gorthy,
author of ' The Tragical Death of Sophonilba,' and other poems,
was knighted on the 26th of May 1605. In 1610, in the Lift of
the Royal Houfehold, he is ftyled Groome of the Stole to the
Prince."]
'•
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 367*
Page 67. XXXVIII.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Right truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you wele : We haue fent vnto you, by Oure Secretarye, Oure
mynd and pleafour in diuers thingis concerning the Eftate of that Oure
Kingdome, both anent the fetling of Heylandis and Bordouris; and
alfo by him We haif direc~r.it the fignificatioun of Our will, alfwele tuich-
ing thofe Minifteris who are convicT; of treafoun as the otheris in warde,1
who wer neuer broght to thair tryale, and thairwith a Proclamatioun
for inhibiting this bold prefumptioun of fome of the Minifterie of that
Kingdome in praying for thofe Minifteris who ar for treafoun juftlie
condemned, as yf thay wer profequuted ; wherin We ar to gif you in
fpeciall charge, as you will anfuer to Ws thervpoun, That incaife ony,
efter the publicatioun of that Oure Proclamatioun, fall offend agane the
fame, that you do procede with all rigour aganis thame, by inflicting the
punifhement prefcryved in the fame : That fo Oure commandimentis
fent to you be not vfed as naiked fhewis or fcarcrowis for affraying of
men, and no forder, whiche is the way to mak offendouris to increfie,
bot We wold, that by your proceding with rigour agane fome, otheris
may be putt in juft feare to offend. In lykemaner, We haif fend vnto
you a Proclamatioun aganis Papiftis, Jefuitis, and Seminaryis, that the
Aclis formarlie maid concerning thame may be putt to executioun with
rigour, wherin We mynd to tak tryall in whom the blayme lyeth, that
fince Oure comeing from thenfe the number of Papiftis in that Oure
Kingdome hath fo michtelie encrefied, and that Jefuitis and Preiftis
haue bene fo oppinlie reffett and intertenyed, and no ordour tane thair-
with, and that thair is hole famileis of Recufantis, and mony of thame
intertenyed in Noblemenis houffis and companyis, wherunto, yf tymelie
remedie be not prouydit, befyde the dangeir to the prefent profeffit
1 The Proclamation referred to was made at the Cross of Edinburgh, on the 13th of
October 1606, and is printed in Calderwood's History, vol. vi. p. 583.
|3 A
368* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
Religioun, the fame may importe very muche hurte and domage to the
Eftate ; and thairfoir, willing you to tak ane exact ordour, according as
We haue imparted Oure mynd at length to Oure Secretarye in this
mater, affureing you that We will demand ane exact compt of your
diligence and willingnes heirin, We bid you richt hairtelie fairwele.
Frome Oure Courte at Hamptoun Courte, the 26 of September 1606.
To Oure richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines
and Counfellouris, The Erll of Dunferm-
ling, Oure Chancellour, and remanent
Lordis, and otheris of Oure Priuey Coun-
fell in that Oure Kingdome of Scotland.
Page 68. XXXIX.t
ACTS OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Linlithgow, xxiij die mensis Octobris 1606.
Sederunt —
Chancellair. Mr of Lowtheane. Preuey Seill.
Hammiltoun. M* op Elphdjgstoun. Collectour.
Angus. B. op Ross. Quhittingiiame.
Linlithgow. B. of Dunkeld. Cranstounru)dill.
Abircoirne. Murdocairny. Clerk of Register.
Balmerinoch. Justice Clerk. Sir Johnne Arnot.
Charge aganis the Wardit Ministeris.
Forsameikle as the Kingis Maieftie following his accuftumat
naturall difpofitioun and inclinatioun to mercy haueing this haill yeir
bigane foirborne to declair his Maiefteis will aganis Mr Charlis Ferine,
Mr Johnne Monro, Johnne Rofs, Mr Robert Youngfoun, Mr James
Irwing, Mr Williame Forbes, Mr James Greg, and Mr Nathane Inglis,
who, by a decrite of the Lordis of Priuey Counfale, beiring dait the xxiiij
day of October laft bypaft, wer decernit and ordanit to be puneift at his
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 369*
Heynes will and pleafour, for that infolent and contemptuous keiping
and halding of ane Conuenticle, vndir pretext of a Generall Affemblie,
at the Burgh of Abirdeyne, vpoun the fecond day of Julij the year of
God Im yjc and fyve yeiris, His Majeftie euir hoiping that thay fould
haue acknawledgeit thair offence, and humelie craved his Heynes par-
doun for the fame : Bot feing His Majefteis grite lenitie and lang fuffer-
ing hes producit nothing in thame bot ane obftinat and wilfull continew-
ance in thair ftubborne and contemptuous humour and errour, and His
Majeftie foirfeing that impunitie mycht gif occafioun to others to com-
mit the lyke infolence heirefter, Thairfoir His Majeftie, by his letters
patent, ligned with his awne hand, hes declairit his will aganis the faidis
perfonis in maner following, to wit, That the faid Mr Charlis Ferme
falbe confyned to the boundis of the He of Bute, the faid Johnne Rofs
to the He of the Lewis, the faid Mr Johnne Monro to the boundis of
Kintyre, the faid Mr Robert Youngfoun to the boundis of the He of
Arrane, the faid Mr James Irwing to the boundis of the Ilandis of
Orknay, the faid Mr William Forbes to the boundis of the Illis of Zet-
land, the faid Mr James Greg to the boundis of Caithnes, and Mr
Xathane Inglis to the boundis of Suthirland, as in the letter foirfaid,
contening the declaratioun of His Majefties faid will, of the dait, at
Hamptoun Court, the xxvj day of September laft beiris : Thairfoir the
Lordis of Secrite Counfaile Ordanis letters to be direct chairgeing
Officiaris of Airmes to pas and mak intimatioun and publicatioun heirof
to the faidis perfonis, quhairthrow thay pretend na ignorance of this
fame, and to command and chairge thame and euery ane of thame to
conforme thame felffis to His Maiefteis faid will, and to prepair thame
felffis within the fpace of ane moneth to repair to the boundis particu-
larlie aboue written, and not to depairt thairfra without licence of His
Majeftie, according to His Heynes faid will, undir the paine of death.
Declaratioun of the Kingis Will aganis the Wardit Ministeris.
[James R.]
Quhairas by a decrite of Our Secrite Counfell, of this dait, at Edin-
burgh, the xxiiij day of October laft bypaft, Mr Charlis Ferme, Mr
370* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
Johnne Monro, Johnne Rofs, Mr Robert Youngfoun, Mr James Irwing,
Mr William Forbes, Mr James Greg, Mr Nathane Inglis, wer, for tbe
bolding of a contemptuous Conventicle vndir pretext of a Generall
Affemblie, decerned to be punifcbed (as committeris of fucbe ane info-
lent ryott) at Oure will and pleafoure, and hitbirtillis, vpoun hoip of
thair refipifcence, We haue abfteyned frome declaratioun of Oure will,
quhairof, finding no effe&is bot tbair ftill continewance in tbair accuf-
tomet ftubernes, Tbairfore, by thir prefentis, We declair Oure Will that
tbe faid Mr Charlis Ferme falbe confyned to the boundis of the He of
Bute, the faid Johnne Rofs to the He of the Lewis, the faid Mr Johne
Monro to the boundis of Kintyre, the faid Mr Robert Youngfoun to the
boundis of the lie of Arrane, the faid Mr James Irwing to the boundis
of the Iylandis of Orknay, the faid Mr William Forbes to the boundis of
the Iyllis of Zetland, the faid Mr James Greg to the boundis of Caith-
nes, the faid Mr Nathane Inglis to the boundis of Suthirland, thair to
keip waird and exerce the fun&ioun of thair minifterie, keip and obferue
Oure lawis, quhilkis falbe fet doun alfwele for the Ciuile as Ecclefiafticque
gouernament, and that thay prepair thame felffis, within the fpace of
ane moneth, vnder the pane of deith, and not to depairt thairfra
without Oure fpeciall licence, vnder the faid pane. Gevin at Oure
Courte of Hamptoun Court, the xxvj day of September 1606.
Directioun to Sir Johnne Arnot anent the transporting of
the Convictit and Wardit Ministeris.
The Lordis of Secrite Counfale, according to the Kingis Maiefteis
fpeciall will, pleafoure, and direc"lioun, Ordanis and commandis Sir
Johnne Arnote, Thefaurer Depute, to mak dew and tymous prouifioun
of fchipping, and otherwyfe, for the tranfporting of the Minifteris
aganis quhome His Majeftie hes declairit his will furth of the realme,
and to the pairtis and placeis quhairvnto thay ar confynned, in
maner fpecifeit in the Declaratioun of His Majefteis faid will ; quhair-
anent thir prefentis falbe vnto the faid Sir Johnne Arnot ane fufficient
warrand.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 871'
Page 73. XLII.j
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Coufingis and Counfallouris, We
grite yow hairtlie weill : Quhairas it may fall furth that fum of the
Prelbitryis being too muche addicled to this anarchie and confufioun in
the Eftate of the Churche of that Oure Kingdome, will refuife to admitt
and reffaue fuch ane Conftant Moderatour as hes bene concludit upoun
in the Generall Affembley laitlie haldin in that Oure Kingdome. As
in lyke maner perhappis fome of thofe Moderatouris that ar chofin
(pretending thair confcientious zeale to all paritie, and rather wifhing a
continewing volubilitie than ony fetled and conftant forme of Gouerna-
ment in the Churche) will mak a fchew of refuife of ony Supremacie
aboue thair Brethrene; yitt becaus heirby the whole proceidingis of
that Affembley may turne ineffe6tuall, yf the refufe outher of the one
or the other wer ony way tollerat, it is thairfore Oure pleafour and will
that yow direct chairgeis aganis ony fuche Prelbitryis or Moderatouris
that fall mak ony fuche refufe, commanding thame, vnder pane of
horning, to conforme thame felffis to the will of the faid Affembley : In
doing quhairof yow fall do Ws acceptable feruice, and fo We bid yow
richt hairtlie fairwele. From Oure Palice of Whytehall, the third of
Januar 1607.'
To Oure richt truftie [&c, ut supra, p. 368.*]
Page 75. XLIII.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO LORD BALMERINOCH.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofine and Counfellour, We greete
1 In the Register of Privy Council, the above letter is also inserted, and followed by a
Charge for receiving the Constant Moderators, who are specially named, agreeable to
372* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
you weele : We doubt not bot you do fufficientlie remember witb quhat
cair We did direct your felff, at your laft being heir, to haif a fpeciall
charge and regaird to the obferuation of that Oure Proclamatioun, pro-
hibiting the Minifteris of that Oure Kingdome to mak mentioun of
thofe otheris Minifteris quho wer guyltie of that proude contemptuous
Conuenticle, and thairefter of heich treafoun, in thair public!; prayeris,
as for thair afflicted and perfequuted Brethrene : And albeit by mony
feuerall letters fent from your felff, We wer putt in affurance that the
keeping of that proclamatioun fould be aduertit vnto, and that the
tranfgreffouris thairof fould be feueirlie procedit aganis, according to the
tenour of the fame : Yitt neuertheles We do heir and hes reffauit
particular aduertifment that in mony pairtis of that Oure Kingdome,
yea in the very prefence of fome of Our awne Counfell, and in placeis
verie neir vnto your felff, thefe prayeris, in plane contempt of that Oure
proclamatioun, haif bene publicHie maid in pulpettis, and the pair ty is
tranfgreffouris nevir challengit, whiche forme of connivence at thair
doingis dois not onlie enbolden thefe Minifteris, and vtheris of that
fundtioun, vpoun prefumptioun of impunitie to mifregaird Oure com-
mandimentis, bot alfo this great ouerfight in Oure Counfell dois mini-
fter very juft occafioun of offence vnto Ws in finding thame fo cairles in
a mater fo neirlie tuicheing Ws, and cairfullie dire&it by Ws ; quhairin
to freethe both your felff and otheris of Oure Counfell of this juft impu-
tatioun aganis yow, yee moft tak fpeciall tryale quhair this offence hes
bene committed, and prefentlie tak ordour thairwith, by inflicting the
dew punifhment appointed vpoun fuch as falbe foundin to haif tref-
pafled thairin, that fo Oure goode former opinioun of the cair and
watchefulnes of Oure Counfell thair in all Oure dire6tionis may con-
tinew ; And fo We bid you hairtelie fairwele. At Oure Pallace of
Whytehall, the 21 of Februarye 1607.
To Oure truftie and weilbelouit Counfellour,
The Lord of Balmerinoch, Oure Secretarye.
the appointment of the General Assembly held at Linlithgow, in December 1606. The
Charge is printed in Calderwood's History, vol. vi. p. 631.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 373*
Page 75. XLIII.ft
ACT OF THE PKIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, xxiij die mensis February 1607.
Charge aganis Mr Charles Ferme and Mr Johnne Monro.
Forsamekle as Maifter Chairlis Ferme and Mr Johnne Monro
being committit to waird within the Caftell of Downe in Menteith, and
dire&ioun being gevin for tranfporting of thaine thairfra to the placeis
appointit for thair confyning and wairding, They haue in the mean-
tyme, without ony lauchfull warrand or releif, broken waird, and
efchaiped furth of the laid Caftell, and ar paft hame to thair awne
dwelling houffes, or fie uther pairtis of the countrey quhair they pleis,
in heich contempt and mifregaird of oure Souerane Lord his au&oritie
and lawis : Thairfore the Lordis of Secrite Counfale ordanis letters to be
direct chargeing the faidis perfonis to compeir perfonalie before the
Lordis of Secrite Counfale, vpoun the [21ft] day of [May] nixttocum,
to anfuer to the premiffes, and to vndirly punifchement for the fame, as
appertenis, vndir the pane of rebellioun, &c, with certificatioun, &C.1
Page 76. XLIV.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO LORD BALMERINOCH.
[James K.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit, We greete you hairtlie wele :
Wheras, for fome fpeciall caus of Oure feruice, and for the wele, bene-
fite, and quietnes of the Churche of that Oure Kingdome, We haif
thoght meete to reteyne thefe feven Minifteris (whofe names you fall
1 On the 28th of May, Ferme and Monro were denounced for not compearing. About
the same time, charges against the other Ministers were directed for disobeying the orders
of Privy Council.
-374* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
reffave within clofed1) forae certane fpace ftill in this Kingdome; to
the effect thair congregationis and flockis want not the preaching of the
Worde now in thair abfence, It is Oure fpeciall pleafour and will that .
you- gif fpeciall dire&ioun to thefe Prefbytryis quhairwith the faidis
Minifteris did remayne, willing thame by viciffitudes and turnes to
caus the Brethrene of that Prefbytrey fupplee the abfence of thair Bro-
ther, by preacheing the Worde and miniftring of the Sacramentis to his
Congregatioun and flocke, which being a deid full of brotherlie love and
godlie charitie, We putt no doubt bot men of thair fun&ioun will moll
willinglie vndirgo it, and fo We bid you richt hairtelie fairwele. Frome
Oure Pallace of Quhytehall, the fyft of Marche 1607.
To Oure truftie and weilbelouit Counfellour,
The Lord of Balmerinoch, Oure principall
Secretarie of Scotland.
Page 85. L.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you wele : The repoirt of that late difordourlie mifbehaviour of
fome Minifteris in the lately kepit Synode at Perth having gevin vnto
Ws moir than juft caus of offence, as We cannot bot thairin muche
commend your cairfulnes in directing thefe charges of horning aganis
thefe diftemperit Brethrene of the Minifterie, ffor the whiche We do gif
vnto you Oure hairty thankis ; fo, fince this proude contempt remaining
vnpunifhed muft needis produce vpoun the example of thair impunitie
a grite bauldnes and audacitie in otheris to offend, It is thairfor Oure
will and pleafour that immediatlie vpoun the reffett heirof, chairgeis of
horning be direct by you in Oure name, chargeing and commanding
the Brethrene of the Prefbytrie of Perth that thay fpeciallie chufe and
elecl; Mr Alexander Lindfay to be thair Moderatour, difchargeing and
1 The names are not specified, but see supra, p. 67.
p
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 375*
prohibiting, vnder the fame pane, ony vther Minifter within that Pref-
bytrie to accept the faid office of Moderatour vpoun him, and thairwith
that eache Prefbytrie within that Synode be commandit and chargeit,
vnder the pane foirfaid, that thay nor nane of thame acknowlege nor
putt to executioun the A6lis and Conclufionis of that late Synode at
Perth ; and als, that you caus fpeciallie charge Mr Henry Levingftoun,
pretendit Moderatour chofin at the faid Synodale Affembley, togidder
with Mr William Row, Moderatour of the preceding, to compeir befoir
you, and after taking tryale of thair contemptuous and vnordourlie mif-
behauiour, and of the abufeing of Oure truftie and weilbelouit Cofine
and Counfellour, the Lord of Scone, Oure Comptroller1 at that meiting,
That thay be committed be you within Oure Caftell of Blaknes, thair to
be retenit quhill Oure forder pleafour and will be knowne; and becaus
Oure faid Commiffioner hes bene fo irreverentlie regardit at that meet-
ing of thofe Minifteris in that Synode of Perth, it is thairfoir Oure
pleafour and will that all keiping of that Synode heirefter be expreflie
prohibite and difchargeit by proclamatioun ay and quhill that vpoun
aduertifment maid vnto Ws of fufficient fatiffaclioun maid by thame for
that thair offence alreddy committed, We may be moved . to gif vnto
thame licence and toleratioun for keeping of thair Synode ; and foraf-
muche as efter the diffolving of that Synode of Perth thair was imme-
diatlie thairefter a prevey Conuenticle keipit by thofe Minifteris,
authouris of the other mifbehauiour, wherin whateuir wes done by Mr
Williame Row in the former wes then approvin, and dire&ioun gevin
to intimat thair refolutiounes to the reft of the Provinciall Affembley
within that Oure Kingdome, We ar thairfoir to recommend vnto you
the taking tryall particulate of thofe that did meite at that Con-
uenticle, and to proceid aganis thame in rigour, according to the war-
rant of Oure lawis thair. And fince the cairlefnes of Magiftratis within
Burghis and Citeyis hes muche enboldenit the foolifhe foirt of the
Minifterie within the fame to fpeeke oftymes too rafhlie and vnad-
vifedlie, fometyme by reafoun of the Magiftratis abfence from fermone,
' Calderwood has given a minute and interesting account of the proceedings at this
Synod, and of the outrageous conduct of Lord Scone in attempting to prevent the meet-
ing from electing a Moderator, according to their former usual practice in such cases.
f3B
376* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
and prefumeing albeit he wer prefent that neuirtheles he wald not
controll thame, howfoevir liberallie thay fould fpeik ather aganis Ws
or Oure Eftate ; for whiche caus Oure will is that it be publifhed by
proclamatioun that tire Magiftratis within eache Burgh or Citie in
that Oure Kingdome, at leaft' fome of thame, be prefent at euerie
fermone to be maid within ony of thefe cityis or burrowis, and fall
gif warning to all fuche as fall ather preache or exercife within the
fame, to abftene frome all mater ijiue&iue or ony way dirogatorye
to the A6tis of the Generall Affembleyig maid for the peace of the
Churche, namelie, of thofe wherat ather We or Oure Commiffioner wes
prefent ; and in caife ony whofoevir, ather^$ preacheing or exercife,
fall heirefter happin to offend in ony of thofe pointis, that then the
Magiftratis thairof fall dilait the fame to Oure Counfell, and gif fuf-
ficient informatioun thairof, and furneis probatioun of the fame, and
that within audit dayis efter ony fuche thing be vtterit, vnder the pane
of horning ; and willing you to haif a^fpeciall cair, with all expeditioun,
for the difpatcheing of thir Oure dire6tiounis, We bid you hairtelie
fairwele. Frome Roiftoun, this xx of Aprile 1607.
To Oure truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and
Counfellouris, The Erll of Dunbar [Dun-
fermling], Oure Chancellour, and remanent
Lordis, and otheris of Oure Preuey Coun-
fell of that Oure Kingdome of Scotland.
PagbJB. LIV.t
THE LORDS OF PEIVY COWCIL TO ME EOBEET BEUCE.
Tbaist Frend,
Efter oure verie hairtlie commendatiouns, amang findrie direc-
tiouns come heir from his Maieftie, it hes pleafit his Heynes in par-
ticulair to remember, That your refolutioun in the mater of Gourie be
craved, as by that article of his Maiefties dire&ionis, whiche is fett doun
in the wordis following, you may perfaue : — " It is Oure pleafour that
1607.] "TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 377*
Oure Counfell {all witk diligence dire6l thair letters to Mr Robert Bruce,
to crave of him his refolutioun in the mater of Gowrye, whiche We
walde be glaid to- fee vnder the hand of the faid Mr Robert Bruce."
And feeing this mater is yitt recent in his Maie&eis memorie, and that
his Maieftie wald be'glaid to haif fatiffa&ioun be your refolutioun thair-
anent, thefe ar thairfoir to requeift add defyre you ,effe6tuouflie, that
with this beirar you will return e vnto ws, in write vnder your h^nd,
your opinioun and refolutioun in the mater foirfaid,1 to the effect we
may fend the fame vp to tts Maieftie, and that you will fett the fame
doun in als cleir and fenfible termis, as to your awne opinioun and iudge-
ment may beft ftand with his Maiefties contentment and fatiffa6tioun,
wherein, as you fall do vnto ws a Cngulair pleafour, fo we doubt not bot
his Maieftie will the moir fauourablie iudge of you and your actionis
heirefter; and fua, expecting your anfwer in wryte with the beirair,
committis you to God. Frome Edinburgh, the fecond of Junij 1607.
A. Cancells. Lotheane.
Secretar. Halyrtjdhouse.
Sm T. Hamiltotjn. Jo. Prestodn.
r. cokburne. j. cokburne.
Cls Registri.
Page 89. LlV-ft
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Right truftie and weilbeloujjfiCofines and Counfallouris, We
greete you weele : Vndirftanding ofThe apprehenfioun of one McKie,
1 As noticed in note ', page 81, the two letters of Bruce, printed in this collection as
Nos. XII. and XIII., belong to June 1607, being those here referred to by the Privy
Council. The quotation in that note varies somewhat in expression from their letter of
the 26th of June as inserted in the Acts of Council (Royal Letters, p. 81.) It reads thus :
— "According to your Maiesteis directioun, we write to Mr Robert Bruce anent his
resolutioun in the mater of Gowry, who lies written his awne mynd thairanent to your
Maiestic, which, with his letter sent to ws, we haif heirwith send vp to your Maiestie."
*
i
378* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
Preift, by the Bifchop of Murray, and that he is lying in prifone within
Oure Burgh of Edinburgh, in the Tolbuith thairof; as We mull accompt
the fame as a fpeciall and acceptable goode feruice done vnto Ws, fo will
We be loathe that the inlaik or warrand or commiffioun to the faid
Bifchop for taking of the faid Preift fould heirefter infer to him ony
preiudice or incoimenient : And thairfoir Our pleafour and will is, that
you pas and expeid ane fpeciall Act of •Counfall in fauouris of the faid
Bifchop X)f Murray,, authorifing his proceidingis in the taking and
apprehenfioun of the faid Preift, nochtwithftanding of his wanting of
commiffioun for that effect, declairing him to be free of all dangeir,
harme, or Ikaith quhatfoeuir thairby, quhairanent thir prefents falbe
vnto you fufficient warrant. From Oure Courte at Grenewiche, the
third of Junij 1607.
Page 93. LV.f
ACT OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, Decimo sexto die mensis Junij 1607.
Act in fauouris of the JBischop of Murray.
Forsamekle as William Murdo, Preift, who falflie callit himfelf
William McKy, haueing this lang tyme bigane remanit in the North
pairtis of this Kingdome, perfuading and teiching diuers of the inhabit-
ants thairof to renunce thair trew religioun, and to embrace his Papifti-
call and erronious opinoun, he wes laitlie tane be Alexander Bifchop of
Murray, and fend heir to the Burgh of Edinburgh, quhair he now
remanis in waird within the Tolbuith thairof; and feing the Bifchop,
movit [be] zeale to the trew religioun, and for fuppreffing of the aduer-
fairis thairof, tuke and apprehendit the faid William without a warrant
or commiffioun : Thairfoir, and to the effect that his proceidingis in
that mater be not impute to him as a cryme or offence heirefter, the
Lordis of Secrite Counfell authorizeis, allowis, and approvis the faid
Bifchoppis proceidingis in the taking and apprehending of the faid
Preift, and fending of him heir to the Burgh of Edinburgh, and declaim
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 379*
that thairin he hes done guid feruice to his Maieftie and his countrey,
and exoneris him of all pane, cryirfe, fkaith, and dainger that he may
incur thairthrow for euir be thir prefentis.
Page 96. LVIII.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfallouris, We
greete you wele : Oure godlie and zealous intentioun of eftablifling of
quietnes and goode ordour in the Churche of that Oure Kingdome, for »
the better flouriflieing of the Gofpell, and of the Religioun prefentlie
profeffit, having bene hithertillis many wayis thortoured by the vnreulie,
turbulent, and vnquiet fpirittis of fome of the Minifterie, who, howfoeuir
of dewytie thay aucht to haif bene the preachouris of peace and obedy-
ence, did neuirtheles in thair a&ionis try fyrebrandis of ftryffe and dif-
fenfioun : So now, alfo, that fame good refolutioun of Ouris is impedit
by the mifcheant, inconftancye, and volubilitye of fome of thofe whome
We did chufe as goode inftrumentis to the furtherance of the worke,
who being ather led by fome fantailik opinioun of thair awne, or thair
being of full intentioun to oppofe thaine felffis dire&lie to the pro-
gres of that work by thair outward a&ionis, kyith direct contradi6touris
thairto, as in fpeciall the Bifchop of Abirdeyne, at the laft Seffioun of
Parliament in Perth, as alfo at that Generall Affemblye keepit at Lyn-
lythgw, and laitlie now befoir you of Oure Counfell thair, the tyme of
geving his Oath of Obedyence,1 he did cleirlie manifeft his froward and
1 According to the Register of Privy Council, the Bishop of Aberdeen 1iad taken the
Oath of Allegiance in the usual form : — " Apud Edinburgh, xxiij die mensis Junij, Anno,
etc., 1607. The quhilk day, Petir Bischop of Abirdene, and Alexander Bischop of Mur-
ray, compearand personallie befoir the Lordis of Secrite Counsale, they and athir of thanie
gaif their solemne and grite Aith for acknawlegeing of oure Soverane Lordis Royall power
and auctoritie, according to the Forme of Aith specifeit in the Act of the dait the second
day of Junij instant." The Archbishops and Bishops, at other several times, took the Oath
in precisely similar terms.
■;^r.-
380* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
euill inclynit difpofitioun in all thir raateris ; and as We ar forder certi-
fyed, ather by his direct doing, or at leaft be his ouerfight and tolera-
tioun, without finding ony fault thairwith, that Mr John M^irnie,1
Minifter (one whofe vnquiet fpiritt hes maid him eutr a frequent
removair from place to place, nather defyring to be a lang remayner
ony quhair, nor contenting his flocke quhair he did ftay, bot being of
ane vnfetled bothe mynd and refidence), fould be laitlie placeit as a&uall
Minifter at Oure burgh of Abirdeyne, being one of the cheif and prin-
cipall burrowis of that Oure Kingdome, without Oure knowledge, or
the confent of the Minifteris of the Gener&ll Afibmbley, by whofe place-
ing thair no better frute can be expectit than the lyke of that proude
Conuenticle at Abirdeyne, which did impwta fo muche difquietnes to
the Eftate of that Churche. And thairfoir, as We haif gevin ordour to
the Commiflionaris of the isffembley for the prefent difplaceing of the
faid Mr Johnne, and difchargeing of him to preiche ony forder thair :
So, in regaird of the Bifchoppis awne offence in this matter, in prefome-
ing at his hand, without Oure knowledge, or confent of the Commiffion-
airs, to plant fuche a Minifter in one of Oure cheif burrowis, at leaft he 5^
being guiltie of connivence in not finding fault thairwith, it is Oure
pleafour and will that you call the faid Bifchop befoir you, and yf you
do tiye the planting of the faid Mr Johne to haue procedit vpon the
caufing command or dire&ioun of the faid Bifchop, Oure will is that
vpon your trying thairof, you committt him prefentlie in warde within
fome of Oure Caftellis, and thairefter acquent Ws with the fame, that
We may thairupone returne Oure forder pleafour and will; Bot yff
otherwayis you do finde no wilfull offence in him, bot a point of negli-
1 Mr John M"Birnie, " a roost zealous and painfull pastor, a great opposer of hierarchie,"
was admitted Minister of Ferry-Port-on-Craig, 10th May 1604, and was translated to
Aberdeen in 1605. At the meeting of th» Commissioners of the Kirk at Falkland, in
October 1607, Calderwood mentions, that " Mr John Macbirnie being summoned for
preaching against Bishops and Constant Moderators, compeared, and promised to meddle
no more with these controverted points in pulpit before the people, but only to preach
Christ Jesus, whill he saw his tyme ; whilk (resolution, we are told) was admitted." But
the Historian, in his great zeal, adds, " Good Brethren were offended." — (History, vol.
vi., p. G82.) According to Row of Carnock, he died at Whitsunday 1609. — (History,
Wodrow Society edit., p. 421.)
ft
607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 381*
**•
gence in not finding fault thairwitfy, Oure pleafour is that you admo-
niihe him of his dewytie, affureing him that yf he fould committ ony
of fuche ovirfightis heirefter, that the fame fhall not be ouerflipped
vnpunifheit : And remitting this mater to your cair and diligence, We
bid you richt hairtelie fairweele. Frome Oure Courte at Greenwiche,
the thrid of Julij 1607.
To Oure richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines
and Counfallouris, the Erll of Dunferm-
ling, Oure Chanceller, and remanent
Lordis, and utheris of Oure Preuey Coun-
fell of that Oure Kingdome of Scotland.
Page 98. LlX.t 1BH
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : Wheras in the granting to Maifter James Balfour,1
Minifter, licence to returne back to that Kingdome, vpoun certane con-
fiderationis iufthe moving Ws, We did confyne him within the toune of
Colbrandifpeth, and two myles about the fame, and vpoun fome fpeciall
motives knawne to Our felff, We finding it expedyent that he be
removed from thenfe, Oure pleafour and will is that you caus chargeis
be direcT; in Our name to command the faid Mr James Balfour, with all
poflible haift, to remove frome thenfe, and to repair to the toun of
Awfurde, within Our Schirefdome of Abirdeyne, thair to abyde and
remane, and no way to depairt furth^f the boundis of the Paroche of
Awfurde, vnder the pane of rebellioun, &c. ; willing you thairwith to
1 Mr James Balfour was one of the Ministers of Edinburgh : See note to the letter in
his favour, printed at page 170, as No. CI. Upon the above order to change the place
of bis confinement, on the 1 1th of August, he " was convoyed out of Edinburgh by the
Magistrates and some of the Council. Being diseased, he stayed at Inuerkeithing, and
went not to Auford." — (Calderwood's Hist., vol. vi. p. 668.)
382* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
gif fpeciall warrand for his difcharge of remaneing at Colbrandispeth,
quhairas he hes bene heirtofoir confyned ; and heiranent thefe prefents
falbe vnto you a warrant : So We bid you faireweele. Frome Oure
Courte at Theobaldis, the xiij of Julij 1607.
To Oure richt truftie, [&c. ut supra^]
Page 99. LX.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE DUKE OF LENNOX.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofine and Counfellour, We greete
you weele : For obferuing of goode ordour in this Parliament, and fpe-
ciallie in your Rydeing from Oure Pallace of Halirudhous to Oure Par-
liament Houfe, as the Marquiffes ar to preceede immediatlie befoir the
Honnours that ar borne, fo We wald haif the two Archiebifchoppis to
ryde in the rank befoir thame immediatelie, and then all the Erllis, two
and two togidder, according to thair Antiquitie, to ryde befoir the faidis
Archiebifchoppis of that Kingdome, two and two in rank, and befoir the
faidis Erllis the Bifchoppis of that Kingdome, two and two in rank, and
befoir the faidis Bifchoppis the Lordis of Parliament, two and two in
rank, in lykemaner; that as the Archiebifchoppis do gif place to the
Marquiffes, and the Erllis to the Archiebifchoppis, and the Bifchoppis
to Erllis, fo the Lordis may gif place to the faiddis Bifchoppis : Which
forme and ordour We wald haif obferued, not onlie in thair Rydeing bot
in thair Voiting in the Parliament Houfe : And heirof defyring you to
be cairfull, We bid you richt hairtelie fairwele. Frome Oure Courte at
Oatlandis, the 24 of Julij 1607. '"'
To Oure richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofine
and Counfellour, The Duke of Lennox,
Oure Heich Commiflioner in the Parlia-
ment of Oure Kingdom of Scotland.
1607.]
TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
383*
Page 99. LX.ff
ACT OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Sederunt —
Apud Edinburgh, Vltimo die mensis Julij 1607.
Lennox.
B. of Sanctandrois.
Roxburgh.
Prevey Seill.
Chancellair.
B. of Glasgow. .
Balmerinoch.
Aduocat.
Ergyle.
B. of Abirdene.
TORPHECHEN.
Collectour.
Marschatll.
B. of Murray.
Scone.
Brunt Iland.
Mar.
B. of Caithnes.
Herreiss.
Clerk of Register.
Wyntoun.
B. of Galloway.
CULLROISS.
Spot.
Kinghorne.
B. of Orknay.
ME of Lowtheane.
Sir James Hay.
Lowtheane.
B. of Brechin.
MB of Elphlnstoun.
Sir Johne Arnot.
Vicount Fentoun.
B. of Dunblane.
Constable of Dundie. Kilsyth.
VcHILTRIE.
Halyrudhouse.
M°Kanzie.
Foistersait.
Saltoun.
TUNGLAND.
Justice Clerk.
Anent the ranking and voiting of the Bischopis in the Parliament.
The Lordis of Secrite Counfale remembering how that of auld
the Bifchopis of this Kingdome who reprefented the Spirituall Eftate
wer ever preferrit, rankit, and voitit in Parliamentis and Generall Coun-
fallis before the Lordis of the Temporall Eftate, and the Lordis of
Secrite Counfale being weill myndit that in this prefent Seffioun of
Parliament, and in all tymes heirefter, the faidis Bifchopis fall haue the
lyk place and rank as thair prediceffouris formarlie bruikit and poffeft.
Thairfore the faidis Lordis ftatuteis and ordanis that in this Parliament,
and in all Parliamentis heirefter, the Archbifchopis and Bifchopis fall
ryde in Eftaite to the Parliament Houfe immediatlie before the Hon-
nouris, and that thay falbe rankit before the haill Temporall Eftaite,
and fall voit before thame.
Page 109. LXVI.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you wele : Quhairas "We haif prouydit Mr Robert Howye to the
f3c
384* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
Proueflrie of the New Colledge of Sanclandrois, vacand by depriuation
of Mr Andro Meluill, laft Proueft thairof,1 who for his mifbehauiour and
otheris his greate offenfis does remane heir in prifone, and the faid Mr
Robert can no way haif acceffe to thefe rowmes that belong to him by
his place, by reafoun thay ar fchut up and lockit ; and thairfoir Oure
pleafour and will is that you direct a fpeciall commiffioun ather to the
Chanceller of the Uniuerfitie or to ony vther whome you think meiteft,
to mak oppin duris, and to voyde furthe of thefe rowmes formerlie pofleft
be the faid Mr Andro niche goodis and ftuffe as did peculiarlie belong
to him, and to caus putt thefe goodis in fum fure keiping, vnder
Inventair to be maid furthcumand, and thairefter to delyuer the kevis
of the faidis rowmes to the faid Mr Robert, to the effect that he, as Pro-
ueft of the faid College, may poffes the fame. And fo We bid you
fairwele. From Oure Courte at Windfoir, the faxt of September 1607.
To Oure trufty and weilbelouit Cofines and
Counfellouris, The Erll of Dunfermling,
Oure Chanceller, and remanent Lordis and
otheris of Oure Preuey Counfell of that
Oure Kingdome of Scotland.
Page 109. LXVI.ff
ACT OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, Halyrudhowe, xxiiij die mensis Septembris 1607.
Warrand for making oppin duris of Mr Andro Meluillis chalmer.
Forfamekle as Mr Robert Howy being lauchfullie and ordourlie pro-
uydit to the Proueftrie of the New College of San6tandrois, quhilk
1 Melville, along with several Ministers, was summoned to the conference at Hampton
Court, in September 1606 : See the Report of the Conference, supra, p. 59-07. He
was deprived of his charge as Provost of the New College of St Andrews, and after four
years imprisonment in the Tower of London, in April 1611 he was permitted to embark
for France. He became a Professor in the University of Sedan, where he died in 1622.
His Life, by the late Dr M'Crie, is a work well known and appreciated.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 385*
wes vacand be depriuatioun of Mr Andro Meluill, laft Proueft thairof,
who for his mifbehauiour dois prefentlie remane in prefone, and the faid
Mr Robert, be virtew of his prouifioun and admiffioun to the faid place
and office, hailing rycht to thefe chalmeris houffes and rowmes within
the faid College quhilkis formarlie wer poffeft and occupyit be the faid
Mr Andro, nenirtheles the duris of the faidis chalmeris houffes and
rowmes ar fchote clofed and locket, fua that the faid Mr Robert can
haue no accefs thairin, to the grit hinder of his ftudy and difcharge of
his fun&ioun within the faid College : Thairfore the Lordis of Secrite
Counfale gevis and grantis full power and commiffioun to ane Reue-
rend father in God, George Archibifchop of San6landrois, Chanceller of
the faid Uniuerfitie,1 to caus mak oppin duris of the faidis chalmeris
houffes and rowmes formerlie poffeft be the faid Mr Andro, and to
remove and voyd furth thairof fuche guidis and fluff as did peculiarlie
belong to him, and to caus put the fame guidis in fuir keiping, vndir
inventair to be maid furthcumand to the faid Mr Andro and vtheris
haueing entres, and thairefter to caus deliuer the keyis of the faidis
rowmes to the faid Mr Robert, to the effect that he, as Proueft of the
faid College, may poffes the fame, quhairanent thir prefentis falbe vnto
the.faid Archibifchop ane warrand.
Page 109. LXVI.ftt
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : Vndirftanding of the infolent cariage and mifbeha-
uiour of Mr Johnne Dykis, Mr Johnne Cowdoun, and [Mr John] Skrym-
geour, Minifteris, in the laft Synode of Fyffe keepit at Dyfert,2 and how
1 Bishop Gladstanes, in his letter, supra, p. 118, seems not to have been flattered in
being thus employed " to execute the pairt of a seeulair Shirreff."
» Of these three Fife Ministers, Dykes was Minister of Kilrenny, Cowden of Kinross,
and Scrimgeour of Kinghorn. The Synod was held at Dysart on the 28th of August.
Oalderwood gives a curious account of the speeches that passed between Archbishop
Gladstanes and Mr John Cowden, the former imagining that Cowden had called him
386* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
far thay did tranfcend the boundis of that modcftie that did become
men of thair calling and fun6tioun, and thairwith did mifregaird the
A6tis of the Generall Affemblye, and fpecialie of that laft keepit at
Lynlythqw; to the effect thairfoir that thair impunitie for thefe thair
grofs overfichtis fould not enbolden bothe thame and vth'eris to a forder
contempt, and vnto fuche tyme as We may be fullie certiorate of thair
mifbehauiour of that Synode, Oure pleafour and will is, that in the
meantyme thay be confyned within the boundis of thair parocheis
quhair thay ar Minifteris, willing you to direct chargeis aganis thame,
commanding thame that thay do no way departe furth of the fame
vnder the pane of rebellioun, &c. ; and in caife of thair diffobedyence in
tranfcending the boundis prefixt, you fall gif ordour for caufing thame
prefentlie thairvpone be denuncit Oure rebellis: And remitting the
fame to your fpeciall cair, We bid you fairwele. Frome Oure Courte at
Windfoir, the faxt of September 1607.
To Oure richt truftie, (ut supra.~)
Page 110. LXVIII.
[Lyndfay, Bifhop of Rofs, in this letter has evidently a reference to a
fecond marriage, as we may infer from his fubfequent letter to the
King (page 219), expreffing his defire to make fome provifion for his
wife. His firft marriage muft have taken place foon after his fettle-
ment at Leith, as we find that in April and November 1569 pre-
fentations under the Privy Seal were granted " to Jeremy Lindelay,
fon to Mr David Lindefay, Minifter of Leith," to a chaplainry in
Brechin, and to a prebendary in the Collegiate Church of Lincluden.
His fon never was in orders, (fee note 2, page 219.) In September
1589, his daughter Rachael Lyndfay was married to Mr John
Spottifwood, Minifter and Parfon of Calder, and afterwards Arch-
" an Atheist." — (History, vol. vi. p. 675.) In the same work is inserted (ib. p. 678)
the charge of the Privy Council, in obedience to the above Royal missive, confining
Dykes, Scrimgeour, and Cowden within the bounds of their own parishes.
.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 387*
bifhop. The phrafe in this letter, " Your gammil Pope," may be
explained, as fignifying "your old Preift, or your aged Minuter:"
Lyndfay having accompanied the King to Norway, and performed
the marriage ceremony at Upflo, 23d November 1589 : the word in
Dan. " Gammel," in Norw. " Gamle," fignifying old, or aged, and
" Papa," preistJ]
Page 117. LXXII.j
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LOKDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : Vndirftanding of the vnquiet and turbulent difpo-
fitioun of Maifter Williame Levingftoun, Minifter,1 profeffing him felff
rather a fyrebrand of difcorde and diffenfioun than, according to his
dewytie and fundtioun, a goode inftrument for the vnitie and peace of
the Churche ; fince thairfoir the reftrayning of fuche perfonis frome
thair too muche wandering and trauelling abroade is neceffarie bothe for
the quietnes of the Churche and for the weele of thair particular flockis,
whiche often is negle6tit, vpoun thair too greate defyre to be bufyed in
vnneceffarie and vnproffitable employmentis, Oure pleafour and will is,
that by Oure fpeciall command, in Oure name, you do confyne the faid
Maifter Williame Levingftoun within the boundis of his awne paroche
quhair he is preacher, inhibiting him to tranfcend or come furth of the
boundis thairof without Oure fpeciall licence had and obtenit, and that
vnder the pane of rebellioun, &c. And willing you, vpoun the reflet
heirof, to gif ordour heiranent, We bid you faireweele. Frome Oure
Courte at Royftoun, the xviij of October 1607.
i
To Oure richt truftie, (ut supra?)
1 Livingstone was Minister of Monyabrook in Stirlingshire, in the Diocese of Glasgow ;
see note 2, supra, p. 283 ; and was translated in 1613 to Lanark.
388* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1607.
Page 120. LXXTV.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : Quhairas vpoun reporte maid vnto Ws of the difor-
dourlie and infolent cariage of Maifter Williame Cranftoun, Minifter,1 at
the late Synode of Fyffe keepit at Dyfert, We wer pleafit to gif Oure
ipeciall command to the Lord of Scone, Oure Commiffionair at the faid
Synode, to caus the faid Maifter Williame Cranftoun be denounceit
rebell and putt to Oure home, and als apprehendit and committit in
warde ; and now fince being putt in hoip that the faid Mr Williame
being forie and penitent for his former ouerfichtis, will conforme him
felff in all dewytie to that whiche is moft conuenient for the peace of
that Churche, and for the furtherance of Oure feruice thair, We ar
thairfoir moued to relent from the geving forder dire6lioun anent his
committing, and ar to will you to command the faid Maifter Williame
to remane within the boundis of his owne paroche, and no way to
tranfcend the fame vntill fuche tyme as Oure forder pleafour and will be
knowne ; as alfo, that you will gif ordour for his relaxing and reffaving
to Oure peace, that fo it may clearlie kyithe that We ar willing to fhcw
mercy to thame that will acknowlege thair ouerfichtis, and will promeis
to amend, as on the other parte We will mak thofe turbulent and
vnquiet fpirittis, bothe in Churche and State thair, feill the weight of
Oure indignation and wraith : And fo We bid you faireweele. Frome
Oure Courte at Whytehall, the xiiij of Nouember 1607.
To Oure richt truftie, (&c. ut swpra.)
1 Cranstoun was Minister of Kings Kettle, or Lathrisk, in Fife.
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 389*
Page 122. LXXV.f
ACT OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, xxiiij Decembris 1607.
Sederunt —
chancellair. quiiittinghame. collector.
Sanctandrois. Justice Clerk. Mr Lues Craig.
Halirudhous. Logy. Fostersait.
ME of Lothean. Bruxt Iland. Sir Alex". Drummond.
Sir Petir Young.
Continuatioun of the Generall Assembly}
Forsamekle as the Generall Affembley of the Kirk haueing, vpoun
mony neceffair and weghte confiderationis, reffauit findrie continua-
tionis be the fpeciall command and dire&ioun of the Kingis Maieftie,
who of his princelie cair and faderlie affe&ioun to the peace and weill of
the Kirk, hes left no goode meanis vnafiayed to extinguish the fyre of
diuifioun Handing amang the Brethrene, and to bring thame to ane vni-
formitie of myndis and affe&ionis, wherthrow thair meitingis might be
in peace, love, and Chriftiane cheritie, and thay thame felffis maid the
1 The meeting of the General Assembly appointed to be held at Holyroodhouse on the
last Tuesday of July 1607, was changed to November, at Dundee. It was further pro-
rogued to the last Tuesday of April following, and again postponed till the last Tuesday
of July 1608, as directed by the above Act of Parliament. Proclamations to this effect,
dated 24th May, 18th October, and 24th December 1607, had accordingly been issued.
According to a Proclamation on the 28th of June, the Privy Council changed the place
from Dundee to Linlithgow, his Majesty " being certified, to Oure just greif, that Oure
Burgh of Dundee is visited be God with the plaige of pestilence ; so as it wer a dan-
gerous thing, for feir of forder infectioun, that thair sould be any convening or greit
meiting thairin." These Proclamations are recorded in the Acts of Privy Council, and
are printed in the Book of the Universall Kirk, vol. iii., p. 1040 — 1044 ; and also in
Calderwood's History, vol. vi., pp. 681, 682, 686. The Historian alleges, that the true
cause of the delay was, that such a meeting " must needs be tumultuous and disor-
dourlie," in consequence of the unexpected opposition to Presbyteries accepting their
Constant Moderators.
MO* OBIGIKAL LETTERS EEK A TIN <: |l<;o7.
nmir able and lining to oppofo thaino folflin aganis the oduttfluril of
tho troutho and eontrario profolfouris, whole inerolil number ami prac
tifeis hoH procodit of no tiling li> inucho aH by tho dill'enlioun ainangH
I ln« Minillrris : And tho lik.fl prorogation!) and contiiuiatioun liauiog
procodit vpoun :i moll wyfo and godlio courfo and refohitioun intendit
by his Maiottio bo appointing of tho ('ommiflionariH nominal be the
(Jonerall Attcinbloy, with Ins Maiolleis confont, to liaif vitito tin- liaill
IVclhytryis and pari icnlair Congregationis in (Ids Kingdom*', the faiilis
\ iliiationis. in rofpool of the long and groat ftormo and \nfoa Ion liable
I \ iiic of \ care, lie - rolfaiiod no olfoel nor c\i eutioun : And tlu« l.ordis
of Si-aril Connfaill oonliddoring how that it is moll noeoffair and ap|
diont that this Yililatioun fall yitt prcooid tlio laid AtToiuhlcy ; and
thair being groat hoipis that his Muiottio fall liotmour this his Nativo
oountroy with his Ivosall profane this \care.1 and that in hisawnc per
fono ho fall atlitl tho inciting and Affonibloy of the Brethren*', and, bo
his Hoyall authentic, grave wildomo, and I'mgulair doxtoritio, fattle the
profont jarris and dillbronoois in the Kirk, and eflablifho tho fame in a
porfyto lovo, vnitio, and harmonic, and thairwithall ho his Ivoyall pro
foneo groatlio honnonr and grace tho faid Aflbmbloy : Thairforo the
lionlis of Scorch Connfaill lies thoght nicit yitt to prorogal and con
bitten the laid AlVcinhli'v vnto the lall Twifday of Julij nixttocoinc,
vpomi quhilk day, («od willing, il fall hogin and bald at the Burgh oi
Dnndio, and ordains publication!! to he maid heirof at the Mcrcat (.Voce
of Edinburgh, and otheris placcis noidfull, whorthrow uauo protend
ignorance of the fame, commanding and chargoing llraitlie all his
Maicllcis fubioolis of the Minillorie, that nanc of thaine prcfillUO nor t.ik
vpoun hand to hald and koepo anc (ienorall Aifeinhloy at ony tyine or
place afoir the laid lall Twifday of Julij, vnder all hcycll pane and
that thai may eonunitt ag:;ne his Maiellie in that hohallf.
chai'i
' ll ii wi-ll known thai In* Mnji'.il v'> |<iii'|><>m> of linn. Hiring In-. n:i(i\i' oountn »ith »
\i<it \\a* >Ii'1;im<I until tlir year ItilT.
I cos.] 'TO ECCLESIASTICAL AKKAIItS. 'Mil'
I'AflH I'M. LXXVI.f
HIS MAJF.STY KIND JAMKH TO Till: I.OIIDS or li;i\N col M'11,
|.I.\MKH It.]
b'irlit I lull if and wcillii'lmiil CulillCH and ( louilll'llounH, Wo
greed- yon welei Wt half (one thofe partionlair pointii of ili.it Worm •
praaohed by Mr Johnne Murray, quhair upoun Iki may in- vorin wold
ohallengeit and aocnlit iih ono moll vndowtii'ull to Wi and that Kll.it'
in objecting perjurie and intendil perlb<|uiitinnn of tho < ihurdio, ami hIh
in prweheing moll falflie and erronionflie aganii the trorthie Elitei and
Oflremonajil of tlio Clmrcbi', boin^ tin- onhf fcW1» lifo of tho prolbnt
viiiUr ami \M'ill governed Ohurche on Earthei Ami therefoir yf thfa
Ins bolde ami foditioui offence Could m>i be exemplarlie pnniffed, it wald
mi doubt enbolden Otheril i»l that fame difpolitioiin to |>roooodo to fordor
v ill.m v«h ami oontemptis ; And aa it ia expedient, in lucho lyko |cuiluH|,
i\ir with rigour to rapree the begynningii, We ar to will you I" t<> pro
ceodc licirin uh Wo may find fOO fOyde of all rairlcliicH, Iburfnlmw, or
partial] fauour in t natar of fuclio momont. Ami lb Wo bid you fair-
wole. Kromc Oiiro Courto at Nrwiuaikill, llir frvinl of Manlir 1608.
[To Onre rioht truftio, &c, ut. mpra.\
I'acu; L96, LXXVII.f
HIS MAJKHTY KINO JAMKH TO TIIK LORDS OF I'llIVY COUNCIL.
| .1 wn.s It. |
l.'irlil liuliir ami wrillirloilit CofillOH and < JoillililluunH, Wo
OU weolo : My your lottor of tlm lint, of tlim inll.aut ' you do on
tifle your proeedingii aganii Mr Johnne Murray, Miniil.cr, quhairin Wo
expe&ing to baif hard of hu punifhexnent infli&ed l>y you, did find do
thing in it i"'t ane i«lill relatioun i»i hie eojuirooating prattling; and <i<>
now perfaTC that yon ar loathe to falfifie Onre prophefie <>r yon ottered
' Tim li-ll.r from tin, (*oiili<il, on llni lOtll of MiiivIi, i. |,in,l.,| .:„/,,;,, p, \M .
392* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
by Ws in that letter fend vnto you concerning that precipitat Act pail
aganis Ws in fauouris of Oure Advocat anent the Siluer Myne, wherin
howfoevir Oure privat interes, notour to euerie one of you, did carye
fom'e reafoun that We fould haif bene acquanted befoir you had pro-
cedit,' yitt in that thair wes no flop nor delaye, bot in the punifheing of
ony Puriteyne preachour, howfoeuer manifeft his offence be, We did
foirtell (that whiche We now finde trew by experience) that Oure plea-
four in that mater mull be at leaft fome half dufane feuerall tymes
focht, and the fame fignifeit to you, befoire We can haif ony of Oure
dire6lionis in thefe materis executed, wherin, how far in dewytie and
difcharge of your place you come fhort of Oure counfell heir, I leaue it
to your awne confideratioun ; and thairfoir, in Oure direclionis heirefter,
you mull ather do quhat is commandit, or then excufe your felffis
upoun your infufficiencie to difcharge your placeis ; And in this parti-
cular, you ar to returne to Ws with fpeede fome aduertifment of the
punifheing of the faid Mr Johnne Murray, or ellis We will tak fome
fpeedie ordour for the punifheing of him for his commiffioun, and you
for your omiffioun : And willing you to be moir cairfull heirefter in
executing of Oure direclionis, as you wald el'chew Oure juft wraith and
indignatioun, We bid you faireweele. Frome Oure Courte at Whyte-
hall, the 20th of Marche 1608.
To Oure richt truftie, (&c, ut supraJ)
Page 140. LXXXII.f
fflS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : As you haif bene heirtofoir certifeit by Oure mony
' This refers to an Act in favour of Sir Thomas Hamilton, Lord Advocate, 19th of
January 1608, but which, in consequence of the King's express warrant, was deleted on
the 10th of March following, according to an attestation on the margin of the Register
by the Clerk of Council.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 393*
feuerall letters of Oure juft difcontentment confavit at that impertinent
Sermone preached by Mr Johnne Murray at a Provinciall meeting at
Edinburgh,1 fo We marvell muche how in his tryale for that mater you
fould fo tenderlie haue flipped ouer the tryale and examinatioun of thefe
perfonis vnto whome he did gif copyis of that Sermone, that in regard
the publiffing and imprenting thairof is altogidder denyit by him felf,
one of thefe two vnto whome in his depofitioun he dois affirmo he did
delyver copyis of the faid Sermone muft needis know how it wes pub-
liffed, and by whome it wes imprented ; and thairfoir Oure pleafour and
will is, That vpoun reffait heirof immediatlie you call befoir you Mr
Dauid Home of Goddifcroft 2 and Mr Patrik Henderfon,3 who wer the
perfonis that did reffave the copyis of the faid Sermone frome the faid
Mr Johnne, and trye of thame quhat thay did with the copyis of the
faid Sermone, or to whome thay did delyver the fame ; and you fall keepe
and deteyne thame in prifone vntill fuch tyme as thay do difcouer par-
ticulate the difperfing of the fame, and how it come to the prefs,
quliairin We will you to be verie cairfull and diligent ; and fo We bid you
fairweele. Frome Oure Courte at Whytehall, the laft of Aprile 1608.
To Oure truftie, (&c, ut supra.')
Page 140. LXXXII.ft
ACTS OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinbwyh, quarto die mensis Maij 1608.
Charge aganist Mr Patrik Hendirsoun.
Forsamekle as the Lordis of Secrite Counfale ar informit that
Mr Johnne Murray, Minifter at Leith, delyuerit copyis of that imperti-
1 Sec former note, p. 124, respecting Murray's Sermon, which was preached at a meeting
of Synod about twelve months before, and was printed without his knowledge at London.
* No notice regarding Hume of Godscroft occurs in the proceedings of Privy Council.
* Henderson was Master of " the Sang School," or Teacher of Sacred Music, and
Reader in Edinburgh. — (Calderwood's History, vol. vii., pp. 257, 348.)
394* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
nent Sermone preached by him at a Provinciall Meeting in Edinburgh
to Mr Dauid Home in Goddiscroft and Mr Patrik Hendirfoun ; and
feeing the publifcheing and imprenting of that Sermone is altogidder
denyit be the faid Mr Johnne, it is verie certaine and evident that the
faidis Mr Dauid Home and Mr Patrik Hendirfoun muft neidis know
how it wes publifched, and by quhome it wes imprented ; Thairfore the
Lordis of Secrite Counfale Ordanis letters to be direct, chargeing the
faidis Mr Dauid Home and Mr Patrik Hendirfoun to compeir per-
fonallie befoir the faidis Lordis vpon the twelft day of Maij inftant, to
declair vnto the faidis Lordis quhat thay did with the copyis of the faid
Sermone, to quhome thay did deliuer the fame, be quhat meanis it wes
difperfit, and how it come to the prefs, and to vndirly fie ordour as
falbe tane thairanent, vndir the pane of rebellioun and putting of thame
to the borne, with certificatioun to thame, and thay failzie, letters falbe
direct fimpliciter to put thame thairto.
Apud Edinburgh, xvij die mensis Maij 1608.
Anent our Souerane Lordis letters dire6l, makand mentioun, For-
famekle [&c. ut supra : Quhilkis letters, &c] being callit, and the faid
Mr Patrik Hendirfoun compeirand perfonallie, quha confeflit, deponit
and declairit, that about half ane yen: efter the preiching of the Sermone
foirfaid, Mr Johnne Murray gaif to the deponer a copie of that Sermone
to write over, and that he write thrie copyis thairof, and delyuerit thame
all to the faid Mr Johnne, and retenit the principall copie, quhilk the
faid Mr Johnne gaif him to him felff, and that he write na ma copyis
bot thefe thrie, quhilk he delyuerit to the faid Mr Johnne, and that he
never fchew the copie quhilk he retenit bot to Mr Adam Colt, with
quhom the faid deponair ftayit quhill the faid Mr Adam red the fame,
and than immediatlie tuk it fra him agane ; and deponit upon his grite
aith, That he knawis no thing of the imprenting thairof, nor be quhais
dire6lioun it wes imprentit ; and deponis that he nevir faw ony of the
printit copyis bot ane in the faid Mr Johnne Murrayis handis, quhilk
wes faid to be that copy quhilk wes fend down from his Maieftie.
With the quhilk Declaratioun, maid be the faid Mr Patrik in maner
foirfaid, the Lordis of Secrite Counfale being weill advifit, the Lordis of
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 395*
Secrite Counfale ordanis the faid Mr Patrik to produce before the faidis
Lordis, vpoun the nixt Counfale day, the copie foirfaid quhilk he
reffavit fra the faid Mr Johnne, to be fene and confidderit be the faidis
Lordis, as the faid Mr Patrik will anfuer vpoun his obedyence.1
Page 140. LXXXIII.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellonris, We
greete you weele : We vndirftand that in the late Vifitatioun of the
Kirkis within the boundis of Merfe and Teviotdaill, by the Reuerend
fader in God the Bifchop of Orknay, Mr Dauid Calderwoode, Mr
Johnne Boyll, and George Johnneftoun, Minifteris within the Prefbyterie
of Jedburgh,3 without regaird of that dewitie whiche become thame to
beir to thair fuperiouris, did in moft infolent maner refufe to be tryed
by him who wes Commiflioner fpeciallie appointed for the faid Vifita-
tioun, and wald in no caife fubmitt thame felffis according to the war-
rand of the Generall Affembley, and of Oure command interponit
thairto, gevand thairby a moft evill example for euery one to contemne
and mifregaird all forme of reule and difcipline, whiche is ane offence fo
heynous as, yf thay fould not be exemplarlie puniffed, thair needis no
forder dewytie nor obedyence to be ony way expe&it frome ony of that
forte : And thairfoir Oure pleafour and will is, That you call thofe
Minifteris befoir you, and ather caus thame, with acknowlegeing of
' No further notice of this matter is recorded in the Acts of Privy Council.
1 Calderwood, as might be expected, makes special mention of this Visitation of the
Presbytery of Jedburgh, and inserts in his History the letter from James Bishop of
Orkney, 9th April, intimating his purpose to come as the Visitor, with the Edict charging
the Members to compear on the 2d of May. These are followed by the Declinature on
the part of Johnstone, Boyle, and Calderwood, and the Reasons for which the Brethren
" declined the judgement of Mr James Law as pretended Visitor." — (Vol. vi., pp.
706 — 716.) — Calderwood was Minister of Crailing, Johnstone of Ancrum, and Boyle,
(who was blind), assistant Minister of Jedburgh.
396* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
thair former ouerfight, in all dewitie to fubraitt tharae felffis to the faid
Bifchop, as it did become thame to haif done, or then you fall not faill,
vpoun thair compeirance, immediatlie to committ thame in prifone
within Oure Caftell of Blaknes, thair to remayne whill We certifie you
of Oure forder pleafour; and in caife thay fould not compeir befoir
you, Oure will is That you then caus denunce thame Oure rebellis,
and profequute Oure hole ordinarie courfe of Juflice aganis thame as
manifeft contemnaris and diflbbeyaris of Oure lawis : And fo We bid you
fairweele. Frome Oure Courte at Grenewiche, the laft of Maij 1608.
To Oure richt truftie, (ut supra.")
Page 140. LXXXIILft
ACT OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, 7° die mensis Junij 1608.
Charge aganist Mr David Calderwoode and uthcris.
Forsamekle as it is vndirftand to the Lordis of Secrite Counfale
that (in the lait Vifitatioun of the Kirkis within the boundis of Merfs
and Teviotdaill, by the Reverend Father in God James Bifchop of
Orknay), Mr Dauid Calderwood, Mr Johnne Boy 11, and George John-
ftoun, Minifteris within the Prefbyterie of Jedburgh, without regaird to
that dewtye quhilk become thame to beir to thair fuperioris, did in moft
infolent maner refufe to be tryit by him who wes Commiffioner fpe-
ciallie appointed for the faid Vifitatioun, and wald in no caifs fubmitt
thame felffis, according to the warrand of the Generall Affemblie, and
of his Heynes command interponit thairto, gevand thairby a moft evill
example for every one to contempne and mifregaird all forme of reule
and difcipline, whiche is ane offence fo heynous, as gif that [thay] be
not exemplarlie punift, thair neidis no forder dewtye nor obedience to be
ony way expected frome ony of that forte heirefter : Thairfore the faidis
Lordis ordanis letters to be direct chairgeing the faidis perfonis to
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 397*
compeir perfonalie before the faidis Lordis, vpoun the day of
, to anfuer to the premiffes, and to vndirly tryall and
punifhment for the fame as appertenis, vndir the pane of rebellioun,
&c, with certificatioun, &c.'
Page 140. LXXXIII.ftt
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : The lait infolent mifbehauiour of the Prelbytereis of
Jedburgh and Chirnefyde in refufeing to conforme thame felffis to the
ordinance of the Generall Affembley laitlie keept at Lynlythgw, as it
can not bot be rnuche offenfiue vnto Ws, fo yf it fould pas with impu-
nitie, it mycht enbolden utheris to that fame contempt, and induce a
confufioun in the Eftate of that Churche, and thairfoir We haif maid
fpeciall choife of Sir Patrik Chirnefyde of Eift Nifbitt knychr, for the
Prefbyterie of Chirnefyde, and Sir Jedeone Murray, for the Preibyterie
of Jedburgh, of whofe fordwart willingnes and affe&ioun to Oure fervice
We haif heirtofoir had many feuerall prooffis, quhome We haue willed
to repair to thofe Prefbyteryis at fome tyme of thair fitting, and to
mak in Oure name, as Oure Commiffionaris vnto thame, ane propofi-
tioun for reffauing of the Conftant Moderatour appointed to cache of
thame by that Lynlythgw Affembley, and to caus the fame then pre-
fentlie be putt to voiceis amang the Brethrene of eache Prefbyterie;
and quhair thair falbe a generall refufe by boithe or ony one of thofe
Prefbyteryis, ather by the vniuerfall confentis of the whole or of the moft
1 On the 7th of July, the above charge is repeated in the Acts of Privy Council ; and
Calderwood and Boyle having personally appeared for themselves and on behalf of
Johnstone, they declared, " that they did nothing upon presumption or contempt, bot
simplie gaif in a Declinatour ; and that now thay wer content that thair Declinatour,
and all actis and instrumentis tane be thame thairupon, sould be cancellit, and that the
said Bishop might be free to urge thame with tryall, according to the Act and commis-
sion of the Generall Assembly."
398* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
parte of the Minifteris, We haue willed that Oure faidis Commiffionaris
fould then caus intimat by fpeciall letters a difcharge to thame of that
Prefbyterie of all forder proceding, and a prohibitioun to thame to vfe
ony ■ forder power or au&oritie with exeming of all Oure fubieffis
within thair boundis frome ony way acknowledgeing of thame or thair
jurifdi&ioun, as being vnworthie fchifmatik memberis of a Churche
whiche fould fo withftand and contradict the Conclufionis of thair
Generall meeting : And wheras the acceptatioun of the Conftant Mode-
ratour fall pas by the greateft nomber of voices, We haif then willed
the Commiffioner in whofe Prefbyterie it fall fo happin, to infift to haif
it enacted and recordit in thair Prefbyterie bookis : And yitt, being
loath to leave thofe who have fpent thair vennome, albeit to no greate
effect, vnpunifhed, We haif thairupoun willed Oure faidis Commiffionaris
to denunce and regiftrat all fuche of eache of thair Prefbyteryis who,
the tyme that the faid mater wes moved, by thair voiceis did oppofe
thame felffis to the paffing thairof : And thairfoir you ar to caus raife
fuche chargeis and warrantis for boith the Prefbyteryis for difchargeing
of thame, in cais thay fould refufe the accepting of a Conftant Mode-
ratour, and for denunceing of thame who kyithis oppofitis in [if] the
A6Hs do pas, and fend fuche of thame as fall concerne the Prefbyterie
of Chirnefyde to Sir Patrik Chirnefyde, and thofe that ar for Jedburgh
to Sir Jedeone Murray, Oure faidis feuerall Commiffionaris, whome We
haif [willed], by Oure other letters to thame bothe, to haif eache one
of thame a fpeciall cair of the difcharge of his Commiffioun at this
tyme, that fo, vpoun the example of this thair punifhement, other Pref-
byteryis may be affrayed frome committing the lyke infolence heir-
efter : And fo We bid you fairweele. Frome Oure Manour of Grene-
wiche, the laft of Maij 1608.1
To Oure richt truftie, (ut supra.)
1 On the 7th of June 1608 the Privy Council issued Charges against the Presbyteries
of Chirnesyde and Jedburgh, for refusing to accept John Clappertoun and Mr John
Abirnethy, as Constant Moderator. On the 14th of August following is inserted the Report
of Sir Gedeone Murray of his visitation for the admission of Aberncthy as Moderator
of the Presbytery of Jedburgh.
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 399*
Page 156. XCII.f
THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO THE PRESBYTERY OF
HADDINGTON.
RlCHT TRA1ST FrEINDIS,
Efter oure hairtlie coramendationis, The Clerk of Reeifter have-
ing with grite panes and travellis reduceit the haill Ancient Lawis of
this Kingdome1 in ane volume, and haveing putt the fame to the prefs
to be prented for the benefeit of His Maiefteis fubjectis, and for the
honnour, credite, and eftimatioun of the countrey, it is verie neceffar,
for the better perfe&ioun of this Werk, that fome fpeciall perfone of
knowlege and experience be appointed to attend and await thairupoun,
and to examine, efpy, and correct fuche errouris and faultis thairin as
ufuallie occurris in everie page that firft comes from the preffe, and find-
ing none fo meete for this purpois as Mr James Carmichaell, Minifter at
Hadingtone, we haif delt and travellit with him to vndirtak this charge,
which he is loathe to vndirtak without your approbatioun and allow-
ance : And feeing this is a common Werk importing the honnour, bene-
feit, and reputatioun of this haill Kingdome, we now intreate and
requeift you richt effecluuflie to difpens with the faid Mr James
abfence fra his chairge and fun6tioun the fpace of two monethis or
thairby, within whilk fpace we hoip that this werk falbe broght to fome
reafounable perfectioun. We doubt not bot the regaird whiche all of
you do carye to this fo neceffair and proffitable a werk will move you to
forder and affift the fame by the faid Mr James attendance thairupoun,
wherby, as you fal teftifie your gude difpofitioun to the furtherance and
advancement of euerie thing whiche may importe the honnour and cre-
dite of this our native Kingdome, fo you will do vnto us very acceptable
1 The work referred to, was compiled by Sir John Skene of Curriehill, Clerk Regis-
ter, and published under the well known title of " Regiam Majestatem : Scotia} Veteres
Leges, etc." Edinburgi, 1609, folio. The Collection was also published, at the same
time, in a separate volume, " faithfully collected and translated out of Latin into Scot-
tish language."
|3e
400* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1608.
plcafour : And fua recommending you unto Godis divyne prote&ioun,
we reft your affured goode frcndis,
S. T. Hamiltoun. A. Cancelia
Jo. PrESTOUN. ToRPHlCHEN.
Ross. Halirudhous.
An. Yllis. Bugcleuch.
QUHITTINGHAME.
Edinburgh, 13 O&ober 1608.
To our richt traift freindis, the Minifteris
of the Prefbyterie of Hadingtoun, &c.
Page 176. CIV.t
ACT OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, xxiiij die mensis Novembris 1608.
Proclamatioun of the Convention to the 26 of Januar.
Whereas vpoun report maid unto Ws of the proceidingis of that
laft Generall Affemblie of the Kirk of that Oure Kingdome keipit at
Lynlithgow, and of the goode vnitie and concord thairat, and of the
zeale and affeclioun kyithed at that tyme by many of Oure fubjectis of
findrie qualiteis and eftaiteis, both for advanceing of the treuth profeffit,
and repreffing the incres and growth of contrarie profeffouris, We wer
moued with no fmall caus of joy and contentment, and acknowlegeing
Oure felffis in Oure dewtie to Oure God to be bound as a Nuriffader to
his Kirk heir on Earth, to protect, mantene, and advance all thair good
and lauchfull proceidingis ; and for that caus We haueing thocht meit
that fuche thingis as wer treated of in the faid Affemblie mycht be con-
fultit vpoun and concludeit by the Eftaitis of that Oure Kingdom, to be
convened the fext day of December nixt : Bot We haueing now fome
forder mater to move at that meiting, for repreffing in all tyme heirefter
of any growthe of Papiftis and contrary profeffouris, whiche can no way
1608.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 401*
be prepared to be proponed at the foirfaid appointed day, We haif thair-
upoun thoght meiteft to continew that meiting of Oure Eftaitis formerlie
appointed the faid fext of December to the xxvj of Januar thairefter,
at quhiche tyme, withont forder delay, We hoip to haif fo good con-
clufionis laide doun by Oure Eftaitis thair as boith the commoun ene-
mye falbe iuftlie afeared, and the trew profeffour muche encouraged:
And thairfore Oure pleafour and will [is] that publicatioun be maid heirof
at the mercat croce of Edinburgh, and all utheris placeis neidfull, will-
ing all fuche as ar defyred to the foirfaid Conventioun not to faill to
keip preciflie the faid xxvj of Januar, that fo by thair concurrence that
good work, begun and brotched in the Generall Affemblie, may be
finifhed and crowned in the Conventioun of Oure Eftaitis, for joy and
contentment to the good, and for difcourageing of all the bad and
wicked forte, who ar evill affected in Religioun ; and that letters of pub-
licatioun be heirupoun direcl. Gevin at Oure Court of Newmarket, the
xxv of November 1608.
Page 180. CVI.t
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE CONVENTION OF ESTATES
AT EDINBURGH.
[James R.]
Right trufty and weilbeloued Coufeingis and Counfallouris, and
wtheris Our good, louing, and obedient fubieclis of the Eftaitis of that
Oure Kingdome, prefentlie convenit, We greit you weill : Whereas We
haif thoght meit, for authorizeing of certane Conclufionis of the lait
keipt Generall Affemblie, maid for repreffing of this great incres and
grouth of contrary profeffouris, being dangerous fubiectis in the Eftaite,
and for utheris cauffis to be impairted to you in this Meiting, to ap-
poynt this Generall Conventioun of Oure Eftaitis : We haif thairupoun
maid fpeciall choice of Oure right trufty and weilbaloued Coufeingis and
Counfallouris, The Erie of Dumfermling, Chancellar, and the Erie of
Dumbar, Thefaurcr of that Oure Kingdome, to be Oure Commif-
fionaris thereat, vnto whome We haif committed the truft of the pro-
pofing of all materis to be moved therein : And als We haif remitted
402* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
vnto thair caire and diligence to fie everie thing profequnted and con-
cludet that may ferve for advancement of the trew Religioun profeffed,
for the fetting fordward of Oure fervice, and for the Commounweill and
benefite of that hole Kingdome ; And noway doubting of your fpeciall
regaird bothe of meffage and meffengeris, with all dew refpecl: that
appertenis, or is requifeit : We bid you fairweill. Frome Oure Courte
of Whitehall, the nynt of January e 1609.
To Oure right truftie and weilbeloued Cou-
feinges and Counfellouris, and to Oure
truftie and weilbeloued, The Nobillitie,
Clergie, and Commons of that Oure King-
dome of Scotland now prefently conveyned.
Page 180. CVI.ff
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE CONVENTION OF ESTATES.
[James R,]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, and
utheris of Our truftie, dewtifull, and obedyent Subieftis of the Efteatis
of that Oure Kingdome prefentlie convenit, We greete you weelle : As
We holde Oure felff in dewytie to Oure God, being the Nuriffader of
his Churche heir on Earth within Oure dominionis, bound to advance
the trew antient Apoftolique faithe prefentlie profeffit amang ws, and
to fuppres all contrarie profeffouris ; So vpoun knowlege of that con-
formitie of myndis, and the affe6lionis of fo grite a nomber of Oure
goode fubieclis of all rankis and qualityis, in that lait kept Generall
Afl'embley at Lynlythqw, and that the tairis of divifioun fowne heirto-
foir by Sathan him felff amang the Clergye wer now plucked out by the
roote, for the better refilling the commoun enemey, We could not bot in
Oure hairtis muche reioyce thairat ; and to teftifie Oure goode appro-
batioun of the proceding of that Affembley convenit be Oure Warrant,
We did appoint this prefent Conventioun of you of Oure Efteatis of that
Kingdome, that thofe thingis then moved at that meeting may by you
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 403*
be now ratifyed, and fo prepaire agane the nixt Parliament, to be paft a
Statute, whicbe We haif thoglit meete to fett doun in thofe few termes :
As firft, Becaus the veffell will ordinarlie, ather a lang tyme or for ever,
reteyne the taift of the liqueur firft putt therinto ; and fince no thing
is now neceflarye to prevent the growth and increfie of this defedtioun
frome the faith, then the adverting to the educatioun and vpbringing of
the youthis, the fending of whome beyonde fea, in placeis of contrary
profeffioun, without being firft weele groundit in Religioun, and accom-
pany ed with Pedagogis weele affe&it to the fame, makis thame often to
returne bak fo poffeft with fuperftitious and hereticall errouris, as thay
may iuftlie be fufpeclit to the Eftait for dangerous fubie&is in the fame,
It is thairfoir meete to be concludit by A61 of this prefent Conven-
tioun, That ony fuche Noblemen and utheris as dire&is a Pedagoig
with thair Sones oute of the countrey, that thair Pedagoig be knowne
godlie and of goode Religioun, lerned and inftru&it in the fame, and
approved in his Religioun by teftimoniall of the Bifchop of the Diocie
quhair the faid Pedagoig hes for maift pairt laitlie befoir maid his reli-
dence, and that thair remaneing furth of the countrey be in the placeis
quhair Religioun is prefentlie profeffit, or at the leift quhair thair is no
reftraint of the fame by the crueltie of Inquifitioun ; that during the
tyme of thair abfence thay fall not hant ony idolatrous exercife of
Religioun ; and fuche as hes not the moyen to interteny with thair Sonis
a Pedagoig, that thay fend thame to fuche pairtis as Religioun is pro-
feffit in : And in cais thair Sones, efter thair depairtour oute of the
countrey, hant the exercifes of contrarie Religioun, that thay find cau-
tioun not to intertenye thame ; and incais ony that paffis oute of the
countrey imbrace ony uther Religioun nor that whiche is prefentlie pro-
feffit within the Realme, that thay fall not be able to brouke honnouris
nor officeis within the Realme : And to the effecT; it may be the better
knowen how euery one is difpofit and affedtit in Religioun, it is expe-
dient that at the Service of the breveis of ony being maior and of per-
fyte yearis, the pairtie fuitair of the fame fall, befoir ony proces had be
him thairin, produce a certificate vndir the hand of the Archiebifchop
or Bifchop of the Diocey quhair he duellis of his conformitie to the
Religioun prefentlie profeffit, quhairof thair falbe fpeciall mentioun
404* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1G09.
maid in the Service, and natker fall the fame be reffaued in Oure Ohan-
cellarie, nor ony proces at his inftance granted thairvpoun befoir ony
Judge in that Kingdome, withoute the fame fervice conteine the produc-
tioun of the faid certificat ; and for fuche as for not conformeing thame
felffis to the Religioun profeffit ather ar alreddy or heirefter (kibe
Excommunicat, it falbe declairit, that nouther be thame felffis nor
vtheris in thair names to thair behoove, fall poffes ony landis, rentis,
or revenewis belonging to thofe perfonis excommunicat ; that fo this
grite incres and growth of Papiftis may be flayed, the trew profeffouris
conforted, and that Religioun may be advanced and fett fordwart :
And no way doubting of your zeale, affeclioun, and love heirunto,
according to your formair prooffis gevin of the fame, We bid you fair-
vveele. Frome Oure Courte at Roiftoun, xxiij of Januair 1G09.
To Oure richt truftie, (ut supra.y
Page 191. CXI.j
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COIM'IL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete yow weele : Whereas Mr Johne Murray, lait Minifter of Leyth,
having moft grevouflie offendit Ws, and for that caus having bene com-
mitted in wairde within Oure Caftell of Edinburgh, hes now bene a
goode fpace prifonner in the fame, and however in juftice We micht
naif procedit aganis him with greate rigour, yitt vpoun Oure love to
his fun&ioun and calling, and in hoip that his bypaft chaftifement fall
procure him to be moir circumfpeci in his cariage heirefter, We ar
1 The Convention of Estates was held at Edinburgh, on the 27th of January 1609.
All the Prelates excepting the Bishop of Murray were present. His Majesty's letter, as
above, was read, " to the unspeakable joy and conforte of the said Estates." The Acts
enjoyned by the King were accordingly passed, and are printed in the Acta Pari. Scot.,
vol. iv., pp. 405—407.
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 405*
pleafit to mitigait the extreraitie of law ; and thairfoir Oure will and
expres command is, That yow fall freethe him furth of Oure Caftell of
Edinburgh, quhair he prefentlie remaynis, chargeing him within twentie
dayis nixtefter his releif furth thairof, that he repair to the toune of
New Abbay, within the cuntrey of Nithisdaill, and that he remayne
thair, and of [within] fyve myllis of the faid towne, and noway tran-
fcend the boundis of his confyneing without Oure fpeciall licence and
warrand had and obtenit thairto ; We having gevin unto him libertie
alfo to teache and preache at the faid Kirk of New Abbay : It is
alwayis to be ftraitlie injoyned to the faid Mr Johnne, that from the
tyme of his comeing furth of warde whill his entrye within the boundis
of his confyneing, that he do not repair to the toun of Leyth, nather
preache nor mak fermone in ony place whatfoever, except within the
precin6t of his abovewritten confyneing, and that he lykewayes do not
refoirt to ony Prefbytrye, Provinciall or Generall Affembley, without
his Maiefties fpeciall licence had thairto. And willing you to be cair-
full to fee this Oure dire&ioun fpedilie executed and obeyit, We bid you
fairweele. Frome Oure Courte at Whytehall, the fyft of Marche 1609.
To Oure richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines
and Counfellouris, The Erll of Dunferm-
lyne, Oure Chanceller, and remanent Lordis
and utheris of Oure Preuey Counfaill of
that Oure Kingdome of Scotland.
Page 191. CXI.ft
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James E.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : Whereas We vndirftand that mony Minifteris who
wer wardit or confyned, ather by immediat command from Oure felff, or
vpoun your warrant, by Oure fpeciall direclioun fent vnto you, ar now
406* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
at libertie, and fred by you without your acquenting Ws thairwith,
We do muche mervell thairof, fpecialie in regard that how notour
foeuir thair offence be, yitt haif you nevir of your felffis at ony tyrae
committed ony of thofe delinquent Minifteris, yea fcairfe efter reffett of
ane or two of Oure feverall direcliounis fent you for that effect : Alwayes
to efchew the overficht and errour heirefter, It is Oure pleafour and
will and expres command that no perfone, ather Minifter or other
whatfoevir, who falbe confynned or wardit by Oure directioun heirefter,
or concerning whofe retentioun We fall certifie you of Oure pleafour,
be in ony forte enlarged or fred of thair warde, or oute of the boundis
of thair confyneing, without firft We be certified thairof, and that you
reffaue Oure fpeciall directioun and warrand anent the fame : And
hoiping you wilbe moir cairfull of your dewitie heirefter in this poynt,
as you wald efchew Oure juft reprooffe, We bid you fairweele. Erome
Oure Courte at Whytehall, the 5 of Marche 1609.
To Oure richt truftie, (ut supra?)
Page 192. CXII.t
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO SIR THOMAS HAMILTON OF BINNY,
LOUD ADVOCATE.
James R.
Trufty and weilbelouit Counfellour, We greit you weill : As
none of Oure Counfell there can be ignorant bot the worke of the
Eftablefhing Bifhopis and reftoreing of there Eftaite lies bene Oure owen
proper motioun, not fubgefted or procured by importunitye or fuiteing
of otheris, So We think that you do know as muche thereof as another,
fince your plaice as Oure Aduocatt, and Oure many direclionis gevin at
findrie tymes for thir materis, might haif fufficientlye perfuadeit you
that this turne of the Bifhoppis reftitutioun is a thing wherein We hold
Oure felfis particularlye intereffit, the crofferis whereof wilbe reputed by
Ws evill affected to Oure fervice : And therefore, fince this mater of
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 407*
the Comiffariatis is now in hand, and that yee your felf do remember
vpoun what occafioun the word Jurifdiclioun was omitted in the Acl; of
Parliament maid in favouris of Bifhoppis, onlye for the difficulteis
pretendit by the manteynaris of Prefbiteryis : Lett not the vnwillingnes
of any to this Oure intentioun, or the obiectioun of difficulteis be a
hinderance to this worke ; bot fince it becometh you as Oure Aduocatt
to pleade for the forderance of any thing that is Oure pleafour and
determinatt will, fo We wifh to fie in this bufynes a particular pruife
thereof, as you wald deferue Oure fpeciall thankes and efchew Oure
repruife, And fo biddis you fairweill. Frome Oure Courte at White-
hall, the xxiiij"1 of Marche 1609.
To Oure truftye and weilbelouit Counfellour,
Sir Thomas Hamiltoun of Binnye knight,
Oure Aduocatt of that Oure Kingdome
of Scotland.
Page 192. CXUft
ACT OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, xxviij Marcij, Anno etc. 1609.
Commissioun to the Archiebischop of Glasgow.
Forsamekle as the bypaft barbaritie and incivilitie in that parte
of the Middle Shyris, which formarlie wer the Bordouris of this King-
dome, (the inhabitantis in moft pairt thairof being voyd of all trew feir
of God and Religion,) wes the caus that the Kirkis of the fame for laik
of reparatioun went almoift all to decay and rwyne, and feeing now be
tbe happie Vnioun of the two Kingdomes in his Maiefteis perfone, that
whiche formarlie wes the Marche is now become the Middle of his
Maiefteis dominionis, and his Heynes being loath that thefe markis of
the bypaft barbaritie fould continew, and being defyrous that ordour
lbuld be tane for repairing of the Kirkis in thefe boundis, and planting
|3f
408* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
of tharae with Minifteris, his Maieftie, vpoun affured knowlege of the
good affectioun of the reverend Father in God, and his truftie coun-
fellour, the Archibifchop of Glafgow, in the aduancement of Godis
glofie, the moll pairt of the faidis boundis being within his Diocie, at
the leift of his Province, hes thocht meit that he be burdynnit with
this employment ; Thairfoir the Lordis of Secreit Counfale, according to
his Maiefteis fpeciall dire&ioun, hes gevin and grantit, and be thir
prefentis gevis and grantis full pouer and commiffion, expres bidding
and charge, to Johnne Archibifchop of Glafgow, to repair to the
boundis quhilkis formarlie wer the Bordouris of this Kingdome, and to
tak ordour with the repairing of the Kirkis of the faidis boundis, for
planting of the fame with Minifteris, and for uniting of Kirkis togidder,
quhair the fame may be the maift commodiouflie done with eafe to both
parrochynairis : And for bettir help of the Minifteris prouifioun and
mantenance, with power to him at his repair to the faidis boundis to
call before him the parrochynnairis of eache paroche, with thair Paftour,
gif thay ony haue, and with thair confent to conclude and refolue
vpoun ony fuche courfe as falbe fitteft and moft expedient, boith for
the fpedy repairing and building of the faidis Kirkis and prouifioun of
Minifteris, and to do, vfe, and exerce, quhateuir vther thing lauchfull
may furder aduance and fet fordwart this bufynes : And becaus for the
help and reparatioun of the faidis Kirkis, thair wilbe necefiitie of a
grite deale of tymmer and treis, quhairof thair is yit fume fmall
remaynis within the faidis boundis, and it being a fcandall and reprotch
to the countrey that materiallis fould want to futche a good woork as
the reparatioun of Kirkis, feing nothing is intendit to be tane from the
owner of the woodis without a fufficient and reafonable price, with
power thairfore to the faid Archibifchop to deale with the awnairis of
the faidis woodis, and to tak fuche courfe with thame as thair woodis
may be reteyned in the countrey, at the leift fo muche thairof referued
to the vfe foirfaid as falbe required, vpoun reafonable and dew priceis
to be gevin for the fame, and liable balding, and for to hald all and
quhatfumeuir thingis the faid Archibifchop fall lauchfullie do heirin,
Chargeing all and findrie oure Soueraine Lordis leigeis to reverence,
acknawlege, and obey the faid Archibifchop in all thingis tending to
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 409*
the executioun of this commiffioun, as thay will anfuer vpoun thair
obedience at thair heicheft perrill.
Page 204. CXIX.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James E.]
Kicht truftie and richt weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris,
We greete you weill : Wheras the richt reuerend Fader in God, Oure
truftie and richt weilbelouit Counfellour, the Archiebifchop of Glafgow,
hes of lait done vnto Ws moft notable and worthie feruice, not onlie in
apprehending the Preift Paterfoun, and difcouering the plaice of Mr
Johnne Hammiltonis reffett, whiche gaif the occafioun of his taking,
bot alfo in going to the toun of Newabbay, and thair breking vp the
chalmer of Mr Gilbert Browne, fometyme Abbot thairof, and having
found a grite number of Popifhe bookis, coapis, chaliceis, picluris,
imageis, and fuche uther Popifhe trafhe, he moft worthelie and deuti-
fullie, as become bothe a Prelatt and Counfellour, on a mercatt day, at
a grite confluence of people in the hie ftreit of Oure burghe of Drum-
freis, did burne all thefe coapis, veftimentis, and chaliceis, having deli-
uered to [John] Maxwell of Kirkconnell all thefe bookis, vpoun fpeciall
promeis that he fould mak thame furthcumand ; In confideratioun of
whiche feruice, whareof We muft tak fpeciall notice for the encourage-
ing bothe him and vtheris to do the lyke, intending to manifeft Oure
goode allowance and acceptatioun thairof, Oure pleafour and will is,
That you fall, by fpeciall Acl; of Counfell, approve and allow the faid
Archiebifhop his whole procedingis, alfweill in apprehending the Preift
Paterfoun, as in his intrometting with thefe bookis, chaliceis, veftimentis,
and in the burning and deftroying moft pairt of thame at the Mercat
Croce of Oure burgh of Drumfreis, declairing that bothe he him felff,
his followaris, feruandis, and afliftaris, ar free from that aclioun, and
exemed frome all dangeir and paine of law, and heirwith you fall direct
fummair chairgeis vnder paine of horneing aganis the faid [John] Max-
410* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
well of Kirkconnell, for deliuering to the faid Archibifchop of all
thefe bookis left in his hand, fince We ar pleafit to gif and difpone
the fame to him to be vfit at his pleafour : For doing of whiche pre-
miffes, thir prefentis falbe vnto you warrand fufficient, And fo We
bid you fairweele. From Oure Courte at Grenewiche, the laft of
May 1609.
To Oure richt trufty, &c.
Page 204. CXIX.ff
ACT OF TELE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, xiij die mensis Junij 1609.
Act infavowis of the Archiebischop of Glasgow.
Forsamekle as the reverend Father in God, Johnne Archi-
bifchop of Glafgow, hes of lait done vnto the Kingis Maieftie moft
notable and worthie feruice, not onlie in the apprehending of the Preift
Patirfoun, and difcovering the place of Mr Johnne Hammiltoun his
reffet, whiche gaif the occafioun of his taking, bot also in going to the
toun of Newabbay, and thair breking vp the chalmer dure of Mr Gilbert
Broun, fome tyme Abbot thairof, and haueing found a grite number of
Popifche bookis, copis, chaliceis, pi6touris, imageis, and fuche vther
Popifche trafche, he moft worthilie and dewtifullie, as become both a
Prelat and Counfellour, on a mercat day, at a grite confluence of people
in the high ftreit of the burgh of Drumfreis, did burne all thofe coapis,
veftmentis, and chaliceis, and delyverit to [John] Maxwell of Kirk-
connell all thoife bookis, vponn fpeciall promeis that he fould mak
thame furthcomeand ; In confideratioun of whiche fervice, quhairof the
Kingis Maieftie doith tak fpeciall notice, and for encurageing boith the
faid Archibifchop and vtheris to do the lyke heirefter, The Lordis of
Secrite Counfale allowis and approvis the faid Archibifchop his whole
proceidingis, alfweill in the apprehending of the Preift Patirfoun, as in
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 411*
introinetting with the bookis, chaliceis, veftmentis, and in birneing and
diftroying moll pairt of thame at the mercat Croce of the burgh of
Drumfreis, declareing heirby, that the faid Archbifchop, his followairis,
fervandis, and affiftairis, to be free of that actioun, and of dainger and
paine of law that may refult or be moved thairvpoun ; and feing it is
the Kingis Maielties gratious will and pleafour to difpone vnto the faid
Archibifchop the haill bookis left be him in the handis of the faid
[John] Maxwell of Kirkconnell, Thairfore ordanis letters of horning
vpoun ane fimple charge of ten dayis, to be direct aganis the faid
[John] Maxwell of Kirkconnell, for delivering to the faid Archibifchop
of the haill bookis left be him in his hand.
Page 205. CXX.f
SIR THOMAS HAMILTON, LORD ADVOCATE, TO HIS MAJESTY
KING JAMES.
Please your most Sacred Maiestie,
In the end of the laft oulk I wes bolde to aduerteis your
Maieftie of the caufe of the delay of the fetling of the controverfie
betuix your Maicfties Ofnciaris and the Bifchop of Sanetandrois, con-
cerning fum Privileges acclamed be him, whilk I haue ever thoght
vndew to any fubieci. The fchortnes of this Seffion of Parlement did
force me, for want of your Maiefties warrand to that article, to enter in
conteftation with the Archbifchop befor fum of the principals of your
Counfall anent thefe maters; and having red the article whilk I had
formed, he impugned the Narratiue and Subftance thairof : the !Narra-
tiue, becaus he affirmed that his great Goldin Chartour wes not
purchaffed be the greid, craft, or ambition of his predeceffours, bot be
thair gude differuingis, fpeciallie of Bifchop James Kennedie, who had
preferued the Kingdome to King James the Second, and fet the crowne
upon his head, whilk merited thefe recompenfis to him felf and his
fucceffours, whairof he wes than thoght wourthie ; and he behoued to
menteane his laufull rightis, whilk did not onlie concerne him, bot ane
412* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
great number of great fubie&is of the Kingdorae who wer his vaffels, to
whom and to him felf his Chartour behoued to be als gude ane war-
rand, fpeciallie being ratified in Parlement, as any uther Chartour or
Ratification could be to any uther fubiect of the Kingdome. I
anfuered, That gude feruice done to the Prince might be fufficientlie
recompensed, albeit the Crowne and Souerantie wer left to the King,
and that he had in his Chartour poynts making him the Kingis Com-
panion, and King befyde the King, whilk his predeceffouris had put in
pra&ife, he repledging from the Parlement to thair privat Courtes men
accufed of Treafoun. At laft I refolued, for want of your Maiefties war-
rand, to omit thefe high poyntes, and to urge him to fubmit to your
Maiefties owne decifioun the right acclamed, vfurped, and poffeffed be
him of your Maiefties Cuftumes and Cokquet of Santandrois, and to
the confifcation of forbiddin guddis tranfported or imported thair,
whilk gif he be fuffered to poffes, he fall undo your Hienes proffeit of
your Cuftumes, and gif he pleas, mak all forbiddin guddis within this
Kingdome frie at that Port. He hes alfo gevin Giftis of baftardie
within his Regalitie, and gevin Declaratour thairupoun, the lyke
whairof I never knew nor hard done by any fubie6l, whairof the
exampill and confequence may preiudge your Maieftie exceidinglie. I
formed ane A6t of Submiflion, whilk is paft in Articles, and gevis to
your Maieftie the decifion of thir queftionis, whairin I pray your
Maieftie not to giue credit contrare to this narration, whilk is the
expres trewth, and not to allow your Maiefties preiudice for any infor-
mation or perfuafion thay can ufe in it. I forfee that my oppofition in
thir maters may breid me diflyking not to be uttered in thir par-
ticulars, whilk will be forborne for your Maiefties refpecl. Bot gif
your Maieftie heirefter fall heir any change of report of me, I dowt
not bot your Maieftie will remember the caufe thairof, and will
not thairby be moued to alter that gracious opinion whilk your
Maieftie hes fo lang had of me as your Maiefties oulde and faith-
full feruand, whairin my caire to deferue the continewance of your
Maiefties fauour as my cheif Earthlie felicitie fall be moir deir to me
nor my lyfe. Thus humblie craiving your Maiefties pardon for my
praefumption, I befeik God to continew and increis his fauour and
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 413*
bliffingis to your Maieftie many lang and happie yeiris. Edinburgh,
this 24 Junij 2 1609.
Your moil Sacred Maiefties moft humbill, faithfull,
and bound feruand,
S. Th. Hamilton.
To the Kingis moft excellent Maieftie.
Page 207. CXXII/f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS
ON BENEFICES.
James R.
Right truftie and right weilbeloued Counfellouris, We greit you
weill : Oure great defyre to reftore the vtterly fuppreffit Eftaite of
Bifliopcs within that Oure Kingdome being not onlye weill knowen to
all Oure fubieclis, bot made notour to many abroade in forreyne pairtes,
moves Ws fo muchc the more to be cairfull that this Oure worke, fo
neceffarye and proflfitable for a good ordour in that Churche, and fo
expedient in the Commounwealthe, being now broght by Ws to fuche a
reffonable perfedtioun, may not be croffit by the dilapidationis of thofe
who ar in prefent title of thefe Prelacies by there fo hurting the Eftaites
of the fame, there dilapidationis, as that there fuccelfoures fhall want
mantenance to beare out there rank, and fo through povertie forced to
relinquifhe it : And as it is not vnknowen to you how cheargable it hes
bene vnto Ws to acquyre vnto them fome remaynes bothe of Jurifdic-
tioun and rent dew vnto them frome fuche who had purchaifed rightes
of the fame, by paying very great foumes out of Oure Cofferis therefore,
* In the original, Maij seems to have been first written, and then corrected to Junij.
In the Melros Papers, there are two letters from the King to Sir Thomas Hamilton, which
he has indorsed, " His Maiesties most gracious acceptance of my faithfull service in his
Heynes service, 9 May 1G09 ;" and, " His Maiesties gracious acceptance of my service in
the Parliament, 9 July 1G09."
414* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
We are fo muche the rather induced to carye a watchfull eye in this
bufynes, that We be not everye other yeare enforced to repaire tlic
Eftaite which may be by thame vndewtifully dilapidated : And albeit
We will hardlie beleive that there be any fuche amongs thame, yit for
Oure owen forder fatiffadtioun, and a greater affurance heirafter, and pre-
ventioun of any fuche harme to be done, We haif maid fpeciall choice
of you to be Oure Commiffioneris heirin, Willing you to appoynte fitt
tymes and plaices for your conveyning, and at feverall dyettis to call
the Bifhopes apairte before you, haueing by your letters certified them
of the caus of there fending for, to the effe6l thay may come the better
prepaired to giue vnto you particular fatiffa&ioun in whatfoevir fhalbe
of them demandit ; and haveing receaved from them a particular note of
the prefent eftaite of there Benefices, which you fall caus recorde in a
Booke to be heirafter furthcummand, You fall demand alfo from every
one of tham a Catalogue of all deidis done by them fince there entric
to there Prelacies, ather in difpofing of landes, kirkis, or teyndis, in
alteratioun of haldingis, in converfioun of dewtyes, in approving defec-
tive titles, or in any thing els whereby thay, for fome prefent gaine, haif
hurte there feates and fucceffouris of fome yearlie accrefcence in rent,
impedit only thus by there new difpofitioun or there confirmatioun of
an unvalide right : And you haveing taken a particular inquifitioun
therein, fhall thereupoun certifie Ws of the Eftaite of ilk Bifhoprick
there, to the effect We may confider thereof, give ordour for amending
what is amifs, and advyfe vpoun the beft meanis to prevent future
harme in this caice, Wherein you lhall do Ws acceptable fervice ; And
fo bides you fairweill. Frome Oure Court at Roiftoun, the viij01 of
Oclober 1609.
To Oure right truftie and weilbeloved Counfel-
louris, the Lord Scone, the Lord Holyrood-
houfe, Mr John Preftoun of Pennycwick,
Prefident of Oure Colledge of Juftice, Sir
Johne Skene of Curriehill knight, Clerk
Regefter, and Sir Johne Cockburne of Orme-
fton knight, Juftice Clerk.
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 415*
Page 207. CXXII.ff
THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS ON BENEFICES TO THE SEVERAL
ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS.
After oure verie hairtlie commendationis to your goode Lord-
ftiip : As the Kingis Maieftie hes bene cairfull to reftoir the fuppreffit
Eflate of Bifchoppis in this Kingdome, by paying of verie grite foumes
oute of his awne coffers for acquiring fome remaynis bothe of Jurifdic-
tioun and Rent d^w vnto thame, So His Maieftie is moved fo muche the
more to haif ane watchfull eye and fpeciall regaird that this fo chargeable
a worke to his Maieftie, and whiche is fo neceffair and proffitable for a
goode and comelie ordour in the Kirk, and fo expedient in the Com-
mounweele, be not croffit by the vndeutifull dilapidationis of thofe who
ar in prefent title of thofe Beneficeis, fua that the Succeffouris of the
prefent Titularis, throw want of mantenance to beir out thair rank, be
not forceit to relinquifhe thair charge, and His Maieftie thairby enforceit
euerie other yeare to repair thair Eftate, it has pleafit His Maieftie, for
preventing of fuche inconvenientis, to gif Commiffioun and fpeciall direc-
tioun vnto ws and fome otheris of His Maiefteis Counfell to tak parti-
cular notice of the Eftate of euerie Bifchoprik within this realme, and
of the particulair deidis done be euerie Bifchop fen thair entrie to thair
Prelacyis, as in His Maiefteis Commiffioun fent unto ws thairanent mair
fullie is contenit : And thairfoir, thefe ar to requeift and defire your
Lordfhip effecluouflie, that you faill not, all excuiffes fet afyde, to
addreffe your felff heir to Edinburgh, vpoun the thrid day of .Nouem-
ber nixt to come, and to bring with you the Eegifter and trew
authentik Eentall of your benefice, with a perfyte, ample, and cleir
note and catalogue of all and euerie deid done be your Lordfhip fince
your entrie to that benefice, ather in difpofing of landis, kirkis, or
teyndis, in alteratioun of haldingis, in converfioun of dewyteis, in approv-
ing defective titles, or in ony other thing els concerning the eftate of
that Benefice, wherby we may mak His Maieftie acquente thairwith,
to the effect His Maieftie, in his faderlie cair over the Kirk, may ad vile
f3o
416* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
vpoun the bell meanis to prevent all future harme in this caife : And
fua lookeing for your preceis keiping of this dyett, prouydit in maner
foirfaid, as you refpecl; His Maiefteis obedyence, committis you to
God. At Edinburgh, the 20 of October 1609.
Jo. Prestoun.
SR. Johnne Skene.
The Bifchoppis of Sanctandrois, Glafgw, Rofs,
Orknay, and Galloway, written for to the thrid
of Nouember.
The Bifchoppis of Dunkeld, Dunblane, Brechin,
and Caithnes, written for to the faxt of
Nouember.
The Bifchoppis of Ergyll, Abirdeyne, and Mur-
ray, written for to the aucht of Nouember.
Page 210. CXXIV.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : Vndirftanding that one Maifter Johnne Fairfoull,
Minifter at Dunfermeline,1 lies be the fpace of thofe fex monethis and
aboue bene commounlie accuftomat to mak mentioun in his prayer efter
Sermone of the Brethrene, alfweill within as without the Countrey, that
thay may be reftoirit and broght home agane to thair awne placeis and
fun&ionis, We cannot bot muche admire how he durft haif prefomed to
vtter, or that ony of Oure goode fubie6tis could be patient to heir ony
fuche vndeutifull fpeecheis delyuerit be him, to the cleiring of thofe who
being convict of heich treafoun wer nottheles (in Oure mercy, with a
grite mitigatioun of the dew and juft punifhement) onlie banifled,
1 Respecting Fairfoull, see Nos. CXXVI. and CXXIX., supra, pages 211, 218.
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 417*
whereby he wald by inference accufe Ws of perfequutioun, condemne
the judicatorye thair of wrangous and unjuft proceiding, and fofter and
manteyne the feid of all fchifme and difordour within the Churche,
whofe offence is no whitt inferiour (yf not griter) than that committed
by thefe alreddye baniffit, and thairfoir to the example of all utheris he
aught the rather to be puniflit with rigour, that as the lenitie vfed with
thefe utheris hes perhappis emboldenit him to offend, fo the juft and
dew proceding without mitigatioun aganis him may affray all utheris,
and move thame to be wary heirefter : And having willed the Archie-
bifchop of Sanctandrois his ordinarye (who by his place fould botbe
haue aduerted and craved your concurrence for puniffing of the offence,
with whome We haif adjoinit the Lord of Scone, for examining of that
mater), to gif vnto you fpeciall informatioun how you fhall proceid in
this tryall : And no way doubting of your cairfulnes heirin, We bid you
fairweele. Frome Oure Courte at Roiftoun, the 23 of October 1609.
[To Oure richt truftie, &c, ut supra.]
Page 210. CXXIV.ft
THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS ON RENEFICES TO THE LORD SCONE.
After oure verie hairtlie commendationis to your goode Lord-
fhip : It hes pleafit the Kingis Maieftie to fend doun ane Commiflioun
and fpeciall dire&ioun vnto your Lordfhip and ws, and to fome utheris
of His Maiefteis Counfell, to call the haill Bifchoppis of this Kingdome
befoir ws, and to tak tryale and notice of the prefent eftate of thair
Bifhoprikis, and of the eftate wherin thay fand the fame, and of the
particulair deidis done be euery one of thame fen thair entrie to thair
Prelacyis, as in His Maiefteis commiflioun and dire&ioun fend vnto ws
at lenth is contenit, ffor executioun wherof we haif appointit ane meet-
ing to be heir in Edinburgh, vpon the audit day of Nouember inftant,
and becaus your Lordfhips prefence, concurrence, and affiftance with
ws in this a6tioun is requifite and neceffair, thefe ar to requeift and
defyre your Lordfhip effe&uouflie to be prefent with ws heir the
418* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
faid day, wherthrow we may begin to this werk, and proceid thairin
accordinglie : And fua, recommending your Lordfhip to Godis protec-
tioun, we reft
Your Lordfhip's very goode Freindis,
Jo. Presto un.
Halirudhous.
Clericus Registri.
Edinburgh, 3 Novembris 1609.
To the Lord of Scone.
Page 210. CXXIV.ttt
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS
ON BENEFICES.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : Undirftanding of fome Preuiledges pretendit by the
Archiebifchop of Sanctandrois vpoun fome auld grant maid to that Sea
by fome of Oure predeceffouris in tyme of blyndnes and fuperftitioun,
and that he thairupoun hath maid a cocquett of his awne, and hes
challenged the cuftomes of Oure Citie of San&androis to belong vnto
him, as alfua the gift of baftardyis, and mony uther thingis meir
Royall, quhilkis ar vnfeparable from the Crowne ; however We haif bene
cairfull to revive that mortifyed Clergy of that Kingdome, and to efta-
blifhc the Eftate of Bifchoppis, once almaift vtterlie fuppreft by the
vnpure pairty in that Churche, yitt wes it neuer Oure intentioun to
communicat with thame ony pairt of Oure Royall pouer, prerogative,
or preuiledge, and We do think affuredlie that thay of all uthers fould
leaft intend it : Thairfoir you ar by your Priuey letter to will the faid
Archiebifchop to appeir befoir you, and to bring with him quhatfoeuir
grantis of previlegeis hes bene formarlie maid by ony of Oure prede-
ceffouris vnto that Sea, and you ar to mak a particulair Abftract of the
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 419*
fame, and thairwith to confidder whiche of thame ar onlie proper and
pertinent to the Crowne, and yf ony of thame otherwayis, without Oure
grite preiudice, may he ftill reteyned by that Sea, and to acquent Ws
of your particulair advife thairin, to the effect We may thairupone tak
fuche ordour as that all impertinent pretenffes to be maid heirafter by
ony Archiebifchop of that Sea may be fully flopped and removed, And
fo bidis you fairwele. Frome Oure Courte at Whytehall, the tent of
November 1609.
To Oure richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofine
and Counfellour, the Erll of Dunfermlyne,
Chancellour, and to Oure truftye and weil-
belouit Counfellouris, Mr Johnne Preftoun
of Penny cooke,Prefi dent of Oure College of
Juftice, Sir Thomas Hammiltoun of Bynnie,
knycht, Oure Aduocat, and Mr Johnne
Skene of Curriehill, Oure Clerk of Regifter.
Page 220. CXXX.f
THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO THE PRESBYTERY OF
ST ANDREWS.
Richt traift freindis eftir our hairtlie commendationis : Whereas
the Kirk of South Ferrye Portincraig, within that Prefbyterie, being
now vacand by the tranfplantatioun of Mr Symeon Durye, who for-
merlie fuppleit the charge of the minifterie of that Kirk, we ar informed
that you intend to plant ane Minifter at that Kirk,1 and to milknowe
and altogidder to prejudge his Maieftie of his rycht of patronage of the
faid Kirk, althoght in the ere&ioun of the Priorie of San6landrois,
whairof that Kirk is ane pendicle, the prefentatioun of the haill Kirkis
of that Prelacy is fpecialie referved to His Maieftie ; and yf you, with-
out his Maiefteis prefentatioun, fall fo vnadvifedlie proceid to the
planting of that Kirk, not onlie will you vnneceffarlie draw your felffis
1 See note, supra, page 215.
420* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1609.
vnder His Maiefteis offence, bot you will bring your Bruther, whome
you intend to plant, in a verie grite vncertaintie bothe of his admiffioun
and ftipend, ffor no man is to haif the benefite of the ftipend of that
Kirk bot fuche as, by his Maiefteis recommendatioun and prefentatioun,
falbe laughfullie and ordourlie plantit thairat; and thairfoir We haif
heirby thoght meete to foirwarne you of the prejudice whiche you will
do to youre felffis and your Bruther, yf thus unadvifedlie you fall
proceid to the faid plantatioun, and thairwith to requeift and defyre you
to forbeir all proceiding and melling in that mater, whill you gett a
laughfull prefentatioun frome his Maieftie, as you refpe6l His Maiefteis
obedyence, and will efchew his Maiefteis juft offence. Sua we committ
you to God. Frome Edinburgh, the 28 of November 1609.
Your very goode Freindis,
Jo. Pkestoun. Wintoun.
KlLSYlTH. A. B. OF MuRHAT.
Mtrecairnie. Torphichen.
R. CoKRURNE.
To oure richt traift freindis, The Minifteris
of the Prelbytrie of Sanclandrois.
Page 223. CXXXII.f
THE COMMISSIONERS FOE VISITING THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS.
TO THE RECTOR, MASTERS, AND REGENTS.
Richt traift Freindis, efter oure verie hairtlie commendationis :
At ane meiting and conference laitlie keipt in this Burgh be a full
nomber of ws, who ar nominat Commiffionaris for the Vifitatioun of
that Univerfitie, It wes complenit that that place of exercife and teach-
ing within the New College, whairof Mr Johnne Johnnftoun had the
chairge, lies ceiffit this lang tyme bigane, by his ficknes and inhabilitie,
to attend his chairge, whiche being a mater verie prejudiciall to the
eftate of that College, and tuitching ws quho ar Commiffionaris verie
1609.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 421*
neirlie in the credite of our dewteis, gif with connivence we fall fuffer
fuche a neceuar place of that College langer to be voyde : We have
thairfoir thoght meit to crave your advife and affiltance quhat is fitteft
to be done heirin, requeifting and defyreing you effedluouflie to lat ws
have fome overture and advyfe from you in write againe our nixt
meiting, how this vaikand plaice in that College may be fupplied and
filled, and quhom in your opinioun you think meiteft for that charge,
whairthrbw ordour may be tane thairin accordinglie, and we difburdynit
of the imputationis whilkis by our ovirficht in this mateir may be
objectit unto ws. Sua we commit you to God. Frome Edinburgh, the
xxviij day of December 1609.
Your verie good Freindis,
S. John Skene. Sanctandrois.
James Hat. D. L. Scone.
J. Wemis. Jo. Pkestoun.
S. T. Hamiltoun.
To our richt traift freindis, the Reclor,
Maifteris, and Regentis, of the Univer-
fitie of Sanclandrois.
Page 226. CXXXIV.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Right truftie and right weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris,
We greete you weele : Whereas We haif dire&it the Bifchop of Gallo-
way to mak a particulair Vifitatioun through the Churcheis of his
Diocie, that fo he may vndirftand and knawe the conditioun of the
fame, whiche of thame ar vnplantit with Minifteris, and whairin thair is
ony other defe&is which require to be amendit, and quhair the par-
roches be fmall and adjoining, and thair prouifioun and ftipend vnable
for the mantenance of two, that he may tak ordour for vniting of thame
422* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
in one Churche, that fo rather one be enabled to attend to the being
conjoyned togidder then that bothe of thame for want of mantenance
fould haif no Minifter at all, We ar thairfoir to will and defire you to
authorize the faid Bifchop with commiffioun and chargeis to this effecl,
ficlyke and in the fame maner as the Archiebifchop of Glafgow had in
his Vifitatioun laitlie of the Churcheis of Nithifdaill and Annanderdaill,
and for doing heirof thir prefentis falbe your warrant : And fo bidis you
fairweele. Frome Oure Courte at Roiftoun, this XXth of Januar 1610.
[To Our richt truftie, &c, ut supraJ\
Page 226. CXXXIV.ff
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : Whereas upoun the prefumptuous difobedience and
mifbehaviour of certane of the Minifterie of that Oure Kingdome, We
thoght goode to confyne thame in fuche places as We thoght moft fitt,
We ar now credibillie informit that diuers of thame not onlie exceid the
boundis limited vnto thame, bot als preache publicllie in places far
without the limitis prefcryved vnto thame, a thing whiche at firft feemed
verie ftrange vnto Ws, bothe in refpecl; of thair contempt of Our com-
mandementis and your negligence of feing the fam in all partis fulfilled,
you your felffis, or moft parte of you, being ey witneffes of the ftory of
Mr James Balfour within that Oure Burgh : Whereas by Oure fpeciall
dire6lioun fent vnto you he was confynned elfwhere, It is thairfoir Oure
pleafour that not onlie you putt prefent ordour to this abufe, bot ali'ua
that you certifie Ws bak by this bearar Oure Secretarye what affurance
We may haif heirefter, that Oure directionis of this kynd fall not be by
you thus negle&it, and fo bidis you fairwele. Frome Oure Courte at
Roiftoun, the 20th of Januar 1610.
[To Oure richt truftie, &c, ut supra.']
■
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 423*
Page 226. CXXXIV.Jtt
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LOEDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James E.]
Eicht truftie and weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : "Whereas We haif thoght raeete that the Generall
Affemblie appointit to be keept in May nixt fould not then holde, for
certane reafonis whiche vnto you by Oure Secretarye falbe imparted,
Thefe ar to will you to caus pas and expeid ane Proclamatioun to be
publiflit for that effe6t, when he fall require the fame ; ffor doing whairof
thir prefentis falbe your warrant. We bid you fairweele, frome Oure
Courte at Eoiftoun, the 20th of Januar 1610.
Page 234. CXL.t
ACT OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
[The following A6t, referred to in the introductory note page 234, is here
inferted, as it illustrates the Supplication of Campbell and Young: — ]
Apud Edinburgh, penultimo January, Anno Sfc, 1610.
Charge aganis Mr Johnne Harper and utheris.
Forsamekle as althoght the reflet, fupplie, and intercommoning
withe Jefuitis, Seminarie Preiftis, and trafHcquing Papiftis be prohibite
and forbiddin be diuers A6Hs of Parliament and Secrite Counfale,
nochtwithftanding it is of treuth that Johnne Campbell, alias Fader
Chrifoftome, ane knowne trafHcquing Preift, returning laitlie within
this realme, of purpois and intentioun to haif feduceit Ample and igno-
rant people frome acknowlegeing of the treuth, and to haif maid fhip-
wrak of thair Eeligioun and faith, he, during the tyme of his aboade
heir, had his moft frequent, ordinarie, and commoun reforte, refidence,
and remaning within the boundis of the Prefbyterie of Irwing, quhair
he was reflet, fuppled, and conforted in all his neceffaris be Mr Johnne
Harper, Minifter at Kilbryde, Mr Johnne Foullartoun, Minifter at
424* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
Dreghorne, Mr Alexander Skrymgeour, Minifter at Irwing, Mr Johnne
Young, Minifter at Baith, and Mr Alexander Campbell, Minifter at
Stevinfoun, Minifteris of the faid Prelbyterie ; who not onlie keipit com-
pany and focietie with him in all freindlie and familiar difcourfeis, bot
interteneyed him in thair houffes, miniftring unto him all fuche con-
forte, countenance, fauour and afiiftance as gif he had bene a lauchfull
fubiecl;, heichlie to the difgrace of thair profeffioun and calling, mifre-
gaird of his Maiefteis au&oritie and lawis, and evill example to utheris
fimple perfonis to do the lyke, without remeid be prouydit : Thairfoir
the Lordis of Secrite Counfale Ordanis letters to be direct chargeing the
faidis perfonis to compeir perfonalie before the faidis Lordis, vpovn the
fyftene day of Februar nixttocum, to anfuer to the premiffes, and to
vndirly fuche ordour as falbe tane thairanent, vndir the pane of rebel-
lioun, &c, with certificatioun, &C.1
Page 235. CXL.ff
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LOKDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and richt weilbelonit Coufeingis and Counfellouris,
We greete you weele: Whereas We vndirftand that vpoun the lait
offence committit by Mr Johnne Fairfoull, Minifter, for praying for
thefe traiterous banneifched Minifteris, he wes then by you confyned
within Our Burgh of Dundie vnto fuche tyme as Our furder pleafour
and will wer knowne thairanent: We haif thairupoun thocht meit to
alter the boundis of his confynneing, and to will and requyre you to
dire6l your fpeciall warrant unto him to repair unto the Burgh of
Anftruther, and to ftay within the limitis of the Parrochin thairof, and no
way to tranfcend thefe boundis, nor yit to repair to ony Seffionis, Pref-
byteries, or other Ecclefiafticall meetingis, without Our fpeciall licence
had and obtanit thairto ; Geving unto him notheles, by the faid warrant,
enduring the tyme of his ftay in the faid Parroche of Anftruther, libertie
to teache and preache in the Kirk thairof: For doing of the whiche
1 No further proceedings in this matter are recorded in the Books of Privy Council,
either on the 15th February or of a subsequent date.
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 425*
thir prefentis falbe vnto you a warrant. And fo We bid you fairweill.
From Oure Court of Whytehall, the thrid of Marclie 1610.
Page 247. CXLIX.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE EARL OF DUNBAR.
James R.
It is Oure pleafure, will, and expres command, that aganis this
enfewing Affemblye to be keipt at Oure Citye of Glafgow, you fall haif
in reddynes the fowme of Ten thoufand markes, Scottis money, to be
devydeit and dealt amonge fuche perfonis as you fall holde fitting by the
advyife of the Archbifhoppis of St Androis and Glafgowe : And the
fame falbe thankfully allowed to you in your nixt accomptes ; and thir
prefentis falbe a fufficient warrant vnto you for that effect. Gevin at
Oure Courte in Thetforde, the eight of Maij 1610.
To Our right truftye and right weilbeloued
Coufeing and Counfellour, The Erie of Doun-
bar, Thefaurar of Oure Kingdome of Scotland.
Page 250. CL.f
THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO THE PROVOST AND BAILLIES
OF TAYNE.
Tbaist Fbeindis,
After oure hairtlie commendationis : Whereas Mr Johnne
Monro, Minifter,1 being of a lang tyme bigane denunceit rebell, and
putt to the home for ane heich contempt and offence committit be him
aganis the King his Sacred Maieftie, and being of new chargeit to haif
compeirit befoir his Maiefteis Counfaill, to haif anfuerit vpoun his faid
offence, he takand the cryme upoun him, hes abfentit him felff and com-
peirit not, and is thairfoir of new ordanit to be denunceit rebell, and
1 Mr John Monro was Minister of Tayne in 1599, and also Subdean of Ross in 1614
and 1615. There was another person of that name, who was Minister of the adjoining
parishes, Tarbert and Feme, in Ross-shire, at the same time.
426*
ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING
[1610.
putt to the home; and notwithftanding of his rebellioun, we ar
informed that he has his ordinarie refidence in that Toune, and vfis his
Minifterie thair as yf he wer a lauchfuil fubjecl;, wherat we mervell not a
little that you who ar his Maiefteis officers, armed with his Maiefteis
royall pouer and au&oritie, fould by your connivence and overfight fuffer
ony fuche perfonis who ftandis under his Maiefteis offence haif fo peace-
able a refidence and free exercife of thair calling amang you, feeing in
the dewitie of your officeis you ftand anfuerable to his Maieftie for
euery fuche errour and overfight wherwith in reafoun you may be bur-
dynnit; and thairfoir chargeis ar direct aganis you for the apprehen-
fioun of the faid Mr Johnne, and keeping of him prifonner in fome
chalmer of your Towne quhill he purge him felff of his rebellioun : The
executioun of the quhilkis chargeis AVe haif heirby thoght meete to
recommend unto your cair and diligence, admonifheing you, that yf you
be remiffe or negligent thairin, that not onlie will you be maid to gif a
compt of your bipaft errour and overfight in this poynt, bot fuche
uther ordour wilbe tane with you as your negligence in fuche a caife
requireth : And fo committing you to God's prote<Sioun, we reft
Your goode Freindis,
Edinburgh, 24 Maij 1610.
Perth.
Abircorne.
D. Scone.
Roxburgh.
A. Cancelia
Sanctandrois.
Glasgow.
Glencairne.
To our richt traift freindis, The Proveft and
Baillies of Tayne.
Page 253. CLH.t
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PKIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.] •
Richt truftie and weflbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris, We
greete you weele : Whereas Doctor Gordoun, Deane of Salufburey,
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 427*
allegeing him felff to haif beene lauchfullie prouidit to the Bifchoprik of
Galloway by Oure Fader and Moder of famous memorie, hatbe fhowne
unto Ws a Confirmatioun of his faid prouifioun, whiche being altogidder
unknowne (at leaft not rememberit be Ws), We wer pleafit to gif the
faid Bifchoprik, and Abbacie of Tungland therunto annext, as vacand in
Our hands without a titulair, to Mr Gawin Hamiltoun ; and becaus We
ar not of intentioun that ony man fould be preiudgeit in his rycht, it is
Oure pleafour that you call before you bothe the faid partyis, and
hauing perufed bothe thair rightis, that you tak fome panes, sine
strepitu forensi, intra priuatos parietes, to aggrie thame, whiche vf you
cannot get conuenientlie performed, that you aduerteis Ws of bothe
thair richts, and whair the diificultye is ; ffor feeing that in the tyrne of
Poprie all contraverfeis of this natur wer decydit by the Pope him felff,
and not by the fentence of ony Ciuile Judge, whiche prerogatiue now
doeth iuftlie belong vnto Ws, We intend that this contraverfie fall,
ather by Oure felff or utheris as We fall appoint, be determined ; and
lookeing for your fpeciall diligence heirin, We bid you fairweele. Frome
Oure Courte at Bletfo, the penult of Julij 1610.
Page 254. CLIII.f
THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND TO THE LORD DEPUTY
OF IRELAND.
After oure verie hairtlie commendationis to your good Lord-
fhip : Wheras the Kingis Maieftie, oure moft gratious Soueraine, in his
religious and princelie difpofitioun towardis the aduancement of the
trew Religion, and fuppreffing of Poprie and Superftitioun within His
Maiefteis dominionis, lies bene pleafit to confer the Bifchoprik of Rapho,
within the contre of Ulfter, to the reuerend Fader in God, Andro
Bifchop of the Yllis, to the effect that by his panes and travellis the
ignorant multitude within that Diocie may be reclamed frome thair
fuperftitioun and Popifhe opinionis, and reduceit to the acknowledgeing
of God and his trew worfchip, whiche is the onlie fontane from quhenfe
428* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
all dew obedience to lauchfull Magiftratis doeth ordinarlie flow : And
the faid Bifchop being now to repair thither to reffaue poffefnoun of
that Benefice, We haif thocht mete to accompany him with this oure
recommendatioun to your good Lordfhip, thairby to lat your Lordlhip
underftand that his Sacred Maieftie haith this man in a fpeciall and
fauourable regaird, alfwele for the mony guid officeis done be him in
the governement of the Churche heir, as for the grite panes and
travellis tane be him in reduceing of the ignorant and wicked people of
oure Yllis to the acknowlegeing of God and obedyence of the Kingis
Maiefteis lawis, wherin he hes had fo happie and gude a fucces, with the
concurrence of His Maiefteis Royall power and authoritie, as no pairt of
oure Yllis doeth now continew rebellious. The confideratioun quhairof
we doubt not wilbe forceable aneuch with your Lordfhip to reffaue the
faid Bifchop with all fchowes and taikynis of love and kyndnes, and to
affift and further him to a reddie haiftie difpatche and expeditioun of
his effairis and bufynes thair, whairin, as your Lordfhip fall do vnto the
Kingis Maieftie oure Maifter acceptable and good fervice, So you will do
vnto ws verie fingulair and thankfull pleafour : And ceiffing to trouble
your Lordlhip with mo lynes, onlie remembering oure hairtly love and
kyndnes to your good Lordfhip, quhom we pray God to hold vnder his
bliffit protectioun and faulfgaird, We reft for evir.
Your Lordfhip's verie loving and good Freindis,
A. CanceliA
DuMBAB.
Jo. Prestoun.
Alexr. Hay.
S. T. Hamiltouh.
Edinburgh, the thrid of Auguft 1610.
To the Deputie of Yrland, in fauouris of
the Bifchop of the Yllis.
1610.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 429*
Page 262. CLIX.t
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS AUDITORS OF EXCHEQUER.
James R.
Auditouris of Our Exchecker of Our Kingdome of Scotland,
We greit yow hairtlie weill : Wheras Our right truftie and weilbelouit
Coufing and Counfalour, the Erll of Dumbar, Our Thefaurair of that
Our Kingdome, haith by fpeciall warrand and dire6tioun frome Ws,
deliuerit vnto the reverend Father in God, James Bifchop of Orknay,
Moderatour of the Generall Affemblie of the Churche convenit at Lin-
lithgw in the moneth of [Julij] Jm vjc and eight yearis, the foume of
Thrie thoufand and ten pundis money of that Our Kingdome, To be
deftributit by the faid reuerend Fader to certane Conftant Moderatouris
of Prefbiteries, and otheris Minifteris, according to Our direclioun geven
thairanent : Our will and pleafour is, that in the nixt accomptis to be
maid by Our faid Thefaurair of his intromiffioun with Our rentis and
cafualities of that Our Kingdome, you defeafe and allow to him the faid
fowme of Thrie thoufand and ten pundis money, ffor whiche thefe
prefentis falbe your fufficient warrand. Gevin at Our Palice of White-
hall, the xxiiij of October 1610.
Warrant for alio wans of iijmx li pait to
the Bifchop of Orknay.
Page 262. CLIX.ft
ACTS OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, Decimo tertio Novertibris 1610.
The quhilk day, the Lordis of Secreit Counfaill having hard and
confidderit the Petitioun gevin in be Mr Charlis Farme, Minifter at
Fraferburgh, craving licence to pas home upoun cautioun to keepe his
430* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1610.
awne Parroche, and to compeir befoir the faidis Lordis whenever he
falbe chargeit, The Lordis of Secreit Counfaill remittit the confidera-
tioun of that Petitioun to George Archiebifchop of Sanclandrois, David
Bifchop of Rofs, and James Bifchop of Orknay, willing tharae to confer
and advyfe amangs thame felffs what thay think raeete to be done thair-
intill, and to reporte thair opinioun thairanent the nixt Counfaill day.
Apud Edinburgh, Dccimo quinto Nouembris 1610.
The quhilk day, George Archiebifchop of San&androis and David
Bifchop of Rofs repoirtit vnto the Lordis of Secreit Counfaill that thay
had conferrit and advifit at lenth upoun the Petitioun gevin in be
Maifter Charlis Farme, and thay thoght meete that the defyre thairof
fould be grantit, he finding cautioun under the pane of fyve hundreth
merkis that he fall remayne within the bondis of his awne Parroche,
that he fall not repair to Prefbytryis nor Synodis, and that he fall com-
peir befoir the Counfaill whenevir he falbe chargeit upoun fyvtene dayis
wairning : Upoun whofe Repoirt the faid Petitioun wes grantit.
Page 262. CLIX.ftt
ACT OF THE PEIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, xxj February 1611.
Charge aganis Mr Robert Bruce.
Forsamekle as three yeiris fyne, or thairby, informatioun being
maid to the Kingis Maieftie that Mr Robert Bruce, Minifter, wes vifite
with infirmitie and feiknes, his Maieftie wes gratiouflie pleafit to grant
him licence to repair from the Burgh of Innernes, whair he wes con-
fynnit, to the Burgh of Abirdeyne, and to remayne thair fome certane
fpace, wherby he myght haif the help and advife of Phifitionis for the
better recoverie of his helth, his Maiefteis intentioun and meaneing
being at that tyme that he fould returne and go bak agane to his
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 431*
formair warde fua fone as it fould pleis God to reftoir him to his helthe,
nevirtheles the faid Maifter Robert maid no ufe of his Maiefteis licence
foirfaid, hot contentit him felff with the place of his firft aboade and
refidence, whill within this quarter of ane yeir bigane, that upoun fome
confait and fantafie, and without his Maiefteis foirknoulege and allow-
ance, he hes withdrawne him felff frome the faid Burgh of Innernes to
the Burgh of Abirdeyne,1 and hes thair fetled him felff and his familye of
purpois thair to mak his refidence and conftant abyding, expres aganis
his Maiefteis meaneing and intentioun the tyme of the granting of
the faid licence : Thairfoir the Lordis of Secreit Counfaill ordanis
letters to be direct chargeing the faid Maifter Bobert to returne bak
agane to his former warde in the Burgh of Innernes, and thair to
remane, conforme to the firft charge and direclioun gevin to him for
that effecl;, ay and whill he be fred and relevit be the Kingis Maieftie,
within tuentie dayis nixtefter the charge, vnder the pane of rebel-
lioun, &c. ; and giff he failyee, the faid fpace being bipaft, to denunce
him rebell, &c.
Page 267. CLXIV-t
MR ROBERT BRUCE, MINISTER, TO HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES.
Mat it pleis your Maiestie,
Heiring that my cuming to Aberdene wes interpret to fpring of
contempt, I thocht it my bundin dewtie to purg my felff to the vtter-
moft thairof, for I compt contempt of God and his Lowtennent the
heicheft cryme that is; And thairfoir, for my purgation I fay, that
quhatfoeuer is done with ane warrand of God and man can nocht incur
the fufpition of a contempt, lat be ane a&uall ; and in deid gif thair had
bene ane prefcription or limitation of tyme in my licence, I had failzeit
in paffing the boundis thairof; yea, nocht onlie that, but I avaittit vpon
the proper tyme quhair foir my licience wes gevin me, and tuik the
benefeit, quhen the neceffitie of my Infirmitie conftranit me ; and being
1 See Calderwood's History, vol. vii., p. 392.
t»I
432* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
moir refpe&iue than that, I tuik it nocht quhill the Bifchop of Mur-
ray brocht me the adwyfe of the Bifchopis of San6tandros and Glafcow
to do fo ; and giff I had refauit the meneft fignification that culd be that
the imbraceing of the benefit at that tyme wald nocht ftand with your
Hienes contentment, I wald moil glaidlie haiff abftanit thairfra, for I
haif layed my compt be Godis graice never to involve me in that gil-
tines : So to end, thair is nothing done be me quhairfoir my former
benifeitt fuld be retrenfchit, and moft humlie I creaue that your
Maiefties cenfure go nocht befoir my procuring, but that my reparing to
Aberdene for my better helth, and confort of my Wyff and childrin,
may ftand with your Maiefties fauor. So refting ever
Your Maiefties moft humbill fubje6t and orator,
M. Robert Bruce.
Indernes, the 20 viij of Marche [161 1.1]
To the Kingis moft excellent Maieftie.
Page 2G7. CLXIV.ft
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and right weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris,
We greete you weele : Wheras Mr Nathan Inglis, Mr James Greg, Mr
Johnne Young, Mr Alexander Campbell, Minifteris, wer confynned, by
Our fpeciall command and directioun, within Our Citie of Glafgow,
vpoun iuft occafioun of mifdemeanour and offence committed by thame,
and vndcrftanding of thair penitencie for thair fault committit, and
willingnes to forbeir frome offending heirefter, We ar thairupoun pleafit
1 The date of this letter is ascertained from the previous No., and from the letters that
follow, numbered CLXX.f and CLXX.ttt
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 433*
that whenfoeuir you fall be certifyed by the right reuerend Fader in
God, Oure right truftie and weilbelouit Counfellour, the Archiebifchop
of Glafgow, that he hath gottin from thame full fatiffa6tioun anent
thair offence paft, and thair penitencie for the famin, and als affurance
for thair deutifull cariage heirefter, that you fall then gif furthe your
fpeciall warrand for thair enlargement, that thai may thairefter, at thair
libertie and pleafour, refoirt ony whair in that Oure Kingdome, as ony
uther of Oure lauchfull fubiedlis may do, and thir prefents falbe unto
you warrand fufficient : And fo bidis you fairweele. Frome Oure Courte
at Roiftoun, the 8 of Aprile 1611.
Page 267. (JLXVI.
[The footnote to this letter, relating to Dr Peter Bruce, is mifplaced,
and fhould be transferred to No. CLXXXVL, page 300. — The perfon
whom Archbifhop Gladftanes here mentions as his fon-in-law and
as Rector of the Univerfity was Mr John Wemyfs of Craigtoun :
fee pages 297, 491, and 494. In the footnote to this laft page, the
words, " He was afterwards knighted," fhould be deleted, as it is evi-
dent from the Sederunts of the Privy Council, till within a fhort
period of his death, that " the Laird of Craigtoun" never received
the honour of knighthood.]
Page 276. CLXIX.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and richt weilbelouit Coufeing and Cournallour,
and otheris Oure truftie and weilbelouit Counfallouris, We greete you
weill : Wheras Mr William Watfoun, Minifter at Brunt Hand, haueing
by gift from Ws the fowme of fyve hundreth merkis yeirlie, to haue
bene payit by Oure Colle&our of Beneficeis; according quhairto he
434* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
haueing receaved the faid yeirlie annuytie of all yeiris paft; but in
regaird the faid office of Colle&orie is affumed to Our uther Officers of
Recept, and the truft of all thame committed unto you, he thairupoun
haith caufed humble fute be maid vnto Ws on his behalf, that We wald
be pleafit to direct Oure warrant unto you for continewing unto him that
yeirlie pay, without whiche he can not ftay any longer Minifter in that
charge, hot wilbe forced to defert it for lack of mantenance : We thair-
foir do recommend the fame fpecialie. to your confideratioun, wifcheing
that gif you find the continewance of it expedient and requifite for
Oure feruice, and no utherwyfe, that you caus pay the fame annuytie
and penfioun yeirlie and termelie heirefter, according as it hath bene
formarlie payed, for whiche thir prefents falbe your warrand, and wherin
you fall do Ws acceptable feruice : We bid you fairweele. Frome Oure
Courte of Grenewitche, the xvth of Junij 1611.
Page 277. CLXX.t
THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL TO THE BISHOP OF MURRAY.
After oure verie hairtlie commendationis to your good Lord-
lhip : Althocht your Lordfhip be your letter fent unto his Maieftie did
purge your'felff of that imputatioun gevin out aganis you as being a
confentair to Mr Robert Bruce his breking of waird furth of the Burgh
of Innernes, yit his Maieftie doeth reffaue new informationis, That your
Lordfhip be your letter diredlit unto the faid Mr Robert aduifit him to
imbrace the benefite of his releif, and that your letter is extant in the
hands and keiping of his wyff : And his Maieftie being defyrous to be
refolued of the treuthe and certantie of that mater, hes willed ws to
demand your Lordfhip thairupoun, and to reporte unto his Maieftie
your direcl; anfuer what has bene done thairin ; and thairfore thefe
ar to requeift and defyre your Lordfhip to fend unto us with this
berair, undir your hand, your direcl anfuer to this propofitioun,
outlier be acknowledgeing or denying of the faid letter, to the effect
we may fend the fame unto his Maieftie, and fo gif his Maieftie fatif-
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 435*
fa&ioun in that mater: And fo wifheing your Lordfhip all happynes,
we reft
Your Lordfhip's very good Freindis.
LOTHEANE. A. CaNCELIA
D. L. Scone. Perth.
E. Glencairne.
[Edinburgh, 23 July 1611.]
Page 277. CLXX.ft
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE EAEL OF DUNFERMLINE,
LORD CHANCELLOR.
[James R.]
Right truftie and weilbelouit Cofine and Counfallour, We greete
you weele : Quhairas the incivile and barbarous behaviour of the moft
parte of Oure fubie6lis of Caithnes, Suthirland, and Strathnaver (whiche
We thoght in fchort tyme wald of it felff come to ane end), feameth
rather to increfce then ony way to diminifhe ; ffor preventing quhairof
We fee no more reddy and eafie way then by planting of painefull
Minifteris and weele affected Ciuile Magiflratis amangs thame : To
whilk effect We haif givin fpeciall Commiffioun to this beirare, the
Bifchop of Caithnes, to imploy his perfonall panes, and in regaird of
accidentis whilkis may fall oute thair, and utheris thingis quhairof it
wilbe requifite that Our Preuie Counfell be informed: And for the
better authorifing of the faid Bifchop in the difcharge of his faid Com-
miffioun, We have thoght gude to admitt him to Oure Preuie Counfall :
yow fall thairfoir caus tak his Oathe, and admitt him as one of the
ordinair nomber of Oure faid Preuie Counfell, to enioy preuiledgeis
whiche ony wther Preuie Counfellour, by verteu of his faid place,
enjoyeth.1
To the Lord Chancellar.
1 This letter was presented to the Privy Council on the 16th of August 1611, when
Alexander Bishop of Caithness having taken the customary oaths, he was duly admitted.
436* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
Page 277. CLXX.ftt
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and richt weilbelouit Coufine and Counfallour, We
greete you weele : Wheras Mr Robert Bruce did fignifie vnto Ws by
his letter that he wes encourageit to the breking furth of Oure waird
and caftell of Innernes by the confent and approbatioun of the Archie-
bifchopis of St Androis and Glafgow, and of the Bifchop of Murray
interponed thairto, We did in regaird thairof require euery one of the
faidis Bifchopis to certifie Ws particularlie of the veritie of his foirfaid
allegeance, who (obeying Oure will accordinglie) did thairefter by thair
feuerall letters purge thame felffis of the haueing in ony fafchione con-
difcendit to his deliuerie, which purgatioun, as it did cleir thame of all
fuche iraputatioun as thay micht haue thairthrow incurred, fo did it
chairge the faid Mr Robert of ane mod euident calumnye : Notwith-
standing whairof We ar informed that the WyfF of the faid Mr Robert
doeth planelie affirme that fcho haith in her cuftodie the faid Bifchop of
Murray his letter, manifesting his confent to the releif of hir faid Huf-
band ; Whairfore thefe ar to require you to will Oure Prefident and
the Lord Foifterfait, at thair being in the North (whether We under-
ftand that thay ar to repair fchortlie), to call before thame the faid
Bifchop of Murray, and thair to vrge his acknowledgement or deniall
of the foirfaid letter, whairof (fo foone as thay haif acquented you thair-
with) We defyre to be by you advertifed ; and fo We bid you fairweele.
Frome Oure Courte at Bewly, the fevintene of Auguft 1611.
Page 282. CLXXII.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCDL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie and richt weilbelouit Cofen and Counfallour, and
utheris Oure rycht truftie and weilbelouit Counfallouris, We greete you
weill : At quhat tyme We eftablifhit the jurifdi&ioun of Oure Heich
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 437*
Commiffioun in that Oure Kingdome, We wer pleafed that the ordi-
narie place of refidence thairof fould be at St Androis, bot haueing fince
that tyme more narrowlie confiderit of the importance of that Judi-
catorie, and finding it neceffair that the fame wald be in fome fuche
place as perfonis of au&oritie may repair thairunto (efpeciallie feeing
that in this Oure Kingdome fome of the fpeciallis of Oure Preuey
Counfale ar commonlie prefent thair, at the leaft at the firft fitting
doun of the fame), We haif thoght guid heirby to will and requyre you
to caufe the feate of Oure foirfaid Heich Commiffioun be removed
from St Androis to Edinburgh, to the intent that not onlie fome of you
of Oure Preuie Counfale and Seffioun may refoirt thairunto, bot lyke-
wyfe that you Oure Chancellair may at euery firft fitting doun thairof,
and uther occafionis requifite, be perfonaly prefent thairat ; and heirin
willing you not to faill, We bid you fairweele. Frome Oure Court at
Royftoun, the xvth of October 1611.
Page 282. CLXXILft
ACT OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, xxv die mensis Octobris 1611.
Arte Act appointing the residence of the Commissionaris of the Heich
Commissioun of the Kirk to be at Edinburgh.
Forsamekle as the Kingis Maieftie, at fuche tyme as his Heynes
eftablifcheit the jurifdiclioun of the Heich Commiffioun in this King-
dome, wes pleifit that the ordinar place and refidence thairof fould be
at Sandtandrois, bot haueing fince that tyme moir narrowlie confidderit
of the importance of that Judicatour, and finding it necefiarie that the
fame fould be in fome fuche place as perfonis of authoritie may repair
thairunto, efpeciallie that fome of his Maiefteis Preuey Counfell be pre-
fent thairat, at the leaft at the firft fitting down of the fame ; Thairfoir
his Maieftie and Lordis of Secrete Counfell has removit, and be the ten-
nour heirof removis the feate of the faid Heich Commiffioun from the
Citie of San&androis to the Burgh of Edinburgh ; to the effect fome of
his Maiefteis Preuey Counfell and Seffioun may be prefent thairat at
438* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1611.
euery firft down fitting of thtj fame, and utheris occaffioun requifite ;
And ordanis intimatioun to be maid heirof to George Archbifchop of
San&androis, to the effect he pretend no ignorance of the fame.
Page 282. CLXXH.ftt
THE EARL OF DUNFERMLINE, LORD CHANCELLOR, TO THE ARCH-
BISHOP OF ST ANDREWS.
My vekie honnokable good Lord,
The Kingis Maieftie, vpoun fome fpeciall and good confidera-
tionis, haueing thocht mete that the place of refidence and meeting of
the Commiffionaris for the Heich Commiffioun fould be removed frome
St Androis, whair it was eftablifhed, to the Burgh of Edinburgh, His
Maieftie, be his letter direcl.it vnto His Counfale heir, hes gevin fignifi-
catioun of His will and pleafour thairanent, as by the copie of the letter
which your Lordfhip fall heirwith reffaue will appear ; quhilk being red
in audience of the Counfale, and thay knawing His Maiefteis will and
pleafour in this particulair, as in all utheris his princelie dire&ionis, to
be verie weele warrandit, with infallible groundis of reafoun, Thay haue
maid ane Act and ordinance anent the removing of the faid feate frome
the one place to the uther, Whereof I haue heirby thocht meite to mak
your Lordfhip acquentit, to the effecl; that in all tymes comeing you
may appoint your Courtis and tymes of meeting to be heir at Edin-
burgh, whair your Lordfhip at euery occafioun falbe affifted not onlie
with my prefence and advife, bot with the prefence of fuche utheris of
the Counfale and Seffioun as you fall pleis call unto you : And fo with
the rememberance of my hairty kindnes to your good Lordfhip, wifhing
unto your good Lordfhip all happynes and contentment, I reft
Your Lordfhip's moft affectionat at command,
Edinburgh, the xxv of 06tober 1611. Dunfekmlyne.
Frome the Chancellour to the
Archiebifchop of St Androis.
-
1611.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 439«
Page 282. CLXXII.fl:
THE LORD CHANCELLOR AND THE ARCHBISHOPS OF ST ANDREWS
AND GLASGOW, TO THE RECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY, AND THE
PROVOST AND BADLLIES OF ST ANDREWS.
RlCHT TRAIST FrEINDIS,
After oure verie hairtlie commendationis : Whereas it hes pleafit
God to call Mr Johnne Johneftoun, one of the Regentis of the New
Colledge of St Androis, to his raercie, frome this mortall lyff, and under-
ftanding that he had findrie paperis, writis, and bookis, pairtlie written
by him felff and pairtlie be utheris, quhilkis wer in his poffeffioun in his
chalmer within the Colledge the tyme of his deceis, and quhilkis con-
tenis fome purpoiffes and mater quhairin His Maieftie may haue verie
jnft caus of offence, gif the fame be fufferit to come to licht afoir thay
be fichted, perufed, and revifed be fuche perfonis as His Maieftie fall
appoint to that effecl; ; Thairfoir thefe ar to requeift and defyre you,
that immediatlie efter the reflet heirof you addrefle your felffis to the
faid Mr Johnne his chalmer within the Colledge foirfaid, and caus the
duris thairof, cofferis, and kiftis within the fame, to be fuirlie clofed, fua
that nane of his paperis, bookis, nor writtis be fene, mellit, nor intro-
metit with quhill his Maieftie gif dire&ioun to perufe and ficht the
fame ; and fo remitting this mater to your diligence and cair, as you
refpect His Maiefteis obedience and fervice, we commit you to God.
Frome Edinburgh, the xxj of November 1611.
Your Lordfhip's verie good Freinds,
To the Rector of the Univerfitie, and to the
Proveft and Baillies of St Androis.
A. CanceliA
St Androis.
Glasgow.
f3K
440* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1612.
Page 282. CLXXn.ft}
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
James R.
Ryght trufty Coufing and Counfalour, and others Our trufly
and weillbeloued Counfalours, We grete you hartly weill : It has bene
heavily compleyned to Ws by the Bifhops and Minifters of that Our
Kyngdome, that notwithstanding of Our Proclamations gevin furth at
diuers tymes againft Jefuites, Preifts, and others Papifts that are
difobedient to the Churche, there reforte is yett more frequent in the
countrey then of before, and that the number of Papifts growes and
encreafes euerie daie for lake of due animadverfioun unto fuche as tranf-
greffe that waie according to the lawes, and fpeciallie that fuche as arc
Excommunicate are no more difhanted than others [who] live in obe-
dience to the Churche, a thing that is no waie tollerable : And wherin
[We haue] made very ftrait interdictionis forbidding any reforte with
them, unles licenfe were craved [and] obteyned from th' Ordinarye.
For although We permitt their wyves, children, and domeflike fervands
to continewe with thame, and doe thofe duetyes whereunto thay are
obliged, We can not allowe others that be not tyed to fuche neceffityes
to haunt thair focietye fo long as thay lye under that heauie cenfure of
the Churche. Whither this be your fault in ouerfeing thefe things when
they are compleined of, or the Clergies in not geving due information
unto vow, We leave it to your felfs to confider, haveing faid this
muche, That as it lies bene in your knowledge, and is ftill Our princi-
pal care to have God honoured in Our Kyngdomes, and all fals and
contrary Religioun to that whiche is profeffed banifhed furth of the
fame, We lhall neuer think Our felfis weill ferued by any that haue not
a fpeciall regaird of this. And therefore We require yow, according to
the truft wherein ye are putt by Ws, to looke more carefullie into thofe
things than ye haue done, and to enquire particularly of the Archbifhops
and Bifhops who are members of that Counfall, what they understand of
this defection, the caufes, and true remedies of the fame ; Or if they be
not fufheiently enformed, ye fhall command them to convene the reft of
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 441*
their number, and fuche of the Miniftery as haue bene compleiners, and
learne the fame by them, that it being communicat unto yow, with
common aduyce, a good courfe maie be taken for the flaying of this
defection, and reprefllng the practifes of the Papifts. And for the bet-
ter effecting hereof, it is Our pleafure that ye give furth a Proclama-
tioun, and caufe it to be published in all the head Broughs of Our
Eealme, charging and commanding all Bifhops, Minifters, and fpeciallie
the Moderators of Exercifes, to trye and delate all Jefuites, Papifts,
Noncommunicants, and perfones Excommunicat for Papiftrie, and give
in their names, with the proceffes led againft them, and other verifica-
tions requifit, within the fpace of a moneth after the Proclamation, to
the Archbifhops of Sanclandrois and Glafco, to th' end Our Advocat
maie call and perfue before you of Our Counfall or others Judges, thofe
that fhall be found in that kynd punifhable ; and in the fame Procla-
mation ye fhall inhibit all perfons of whatfomevir rank or qualitye that
are not in houfe and familie with fuche as are Excommunicat, to
reforte, haunt, and frequent their companies, or repair unto them,
under pretext of vifitation, or any other bufines, except they haue firft
obteyned licence of th' Ordinarye, under his hand ; Certifying euery one
that fhal doe in the contrary heirof, that they fhalbe called before Our
Counfell, and punifhed with all rigour, to the example of others. So
committing thir things to your care and diligence, as ye will doe Ws
acceptable feruice, We bid yow hartlie fareweill. From Oure [Courte]
at Eoyfton, the 26 daye of January 1612.
To Our richt trufty, [&c, ut supra.~\
Page 283. CLXXIII.f
THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW TO JOHN MURRAY OF
HIS MAJESTY'S BEDCHAMBER.
Sir,
Seing the often remembrance of the buylding of your Churche
at Graitnay hes not as yit procurit the beginning of the worke, the
berar cummis him felf, be the counfel of al the Minifteris heir, to fe qhat
him felf and his travellis can effecluat. And I culd not leave him vnac-
442* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1612.
corapanyit with niy letter, not only for this, bot alfo to pray yow that
his Manffe may be buylt, his thre akeris of land at Redkirk gifen him,
qhiche he fayis Robert Macbrair detenis from him, and fome hirer afiig-
natioun of a ftipend maid, feing he is ever complening of payment at
our metingis. Thefe thingis I doubte not, for your honour, ye will
regard ; for I hear ftrangeris from England refort often thither, and it is
fchame to fe no courfe takin for a Churche to ferve God in ; and qhen
thai ad, It is alwyfe afkit, in qhofe defaulte it is ? Befydis, I haif gifin
often affurance to our Miniftrie that it fuld ben done ere now, and my
credit with tham in this point is fallin in grit hafart, qherof I doubte
not ye wil haif fum refpecl, altho thair be in this erand many griter
caufis to moue yow. And fo leaving thefe thingis to your confideratioun,
and remembring my hartie commendationis to your felf, I reft
Your maift affurit at power,
Moffat, the 24 Apryl 1612. Glasgow.
To my honorabill guid freind, Jhon Murray,
Gentilman of his Maiefteis bedchalmer.
Page 285. CLXXV.
[The transcriber of this letter, and of No. CLXXIX., had miftaken the
date 1612 inftead of 1611 ; confequently thefe letters mould have
been placed after CLXVIII. and CLXIX. The fignature at the top of
page 293 fhould be fimply " Balfour." The originals, which could not
be difcovered for collation while the meets were at prefs, are contained
in the volume of State Papers for 1617 and 1618, Nos. 17 and 24.]
Page 291. CLXXVIILf
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Right truftie and richt weilbelouit Cofines and Counfellouris,
and truftv and weilbelouit Counfellouris, We greete you weele :
1612.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 443*
Whereas We find by daylie experience the harme aryfeing of printing
and publifhing of erroneous, heretical], flanderous, feditious, and treaf-
fonable books, all whiche, by a little diligence and care, may be pre-
vented :. We haif thairfore tbocht good by thefe prefentis to will and
requyre you to giue ordour to all Printeris and Book fellaris in that Oure
Kingdome, according to the ordour heir, that thay prefome-not to put
to preffe ony book of Diuinity or Deuotioun, except the fame be firft
perufed and approvit by one of the Archbifchoppis ; and yf the fame be
of Hiftorie, or ony uther parte of Humanitie, that it be fene and allowit
by Oure Secretarie ; and yf Law, that it be perufed by fuch Commif-
fionaris as Oure Chancellour and College of Juftice fall appoint; and
that it be teftifeit under thair handis that the bookis to be printed con-
teyne no thing contrarie to the treuth of finceir religioun, good maneris,
or the lawis of Ouf*e Realme : And farthermore, becaus mony bookis ar
broght into and vented in that Oure Kingdome which ar not printed
thairin, it is lykwife Oure pleafour that ye gif ftrick and expres
ordour to all Book fellaris what fumever, that at what tyme thay fall
bring home ony books to be fold, thay do not utter ony writtin by ony
Popifhe or fufpected wreiter without licence obtenit from the Bifliop of
the Diocie, or Oure Secretarie, whiche of the two fall happin for the
tyme to be nixt at hand : fo as all thingis being firft perufed, the divul-
gating of all erroneous opinionis in Religioun, and flanderous, feditious,
and treffonable reportis in Hiftoryis, and uther wife, may be preventit.
Wherin, not doubting of your care, We bid you all fareweill. From
Our Court at Whytehall, the xvijth of Junij 161 2.1
Page 302. CLXXXVII.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LOEDS OF PKIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Richt truftie Cofen and Counfellour, and utheris Oure truftie
and weilbelouit Counfellouris, We greite you weele : We ar pleafit, at
1 The Privy Council, in conformity with this letter, on the 2d of July 1612, issued a
" Proclamatioun anent prenting of Bookis," repeating, as usual, the precise words of the
King's missive or warrant, as above.
444* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1613.
the humble requeift of the richt reverend Father in God, Oure truftie
and weilbelouit Counfellour the Archbifhop of Glafgo, To releafe all
the Minifteris within his Diocie as ar ather confynit within thair
parrocheis or keept in waird utherwife, and to grant thame frie libertie
as to ony of Our fubiectis for repairing to thair feuerall parroche
Churches, keeping of the Synodis and utheris meetingis allowed for the
exercife of Minifteris in doctrine, upoun affurance gevin to Ws that thay
will heirefter cary thame felffis in that dewtifull obedience whiche thay
awe to Ws, and with that refpect whiche becomes thame towardis thair
fuperiouris in the Churche. Thairfoir it is Our pleafour that irome-
diatlie upoun the ficht heirof ye inak public!; intimatioun of this Our
will, and declair thame and euery ane of thame fred and releuit of thair
wairdis and confyneingis, to the end thay may avait upoun thair officeis,
and keip the dyetis with the reft of the Miniftrie whiche ar appointit
for thame. And fo We bid you hartlie fairweill. At Newmarkett, the
xx° January 1613. J
Page 310. CXCIH-t
THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW TO [JOHN MURRAY
OF LOCHMABEN?]
Sir,
I refavit al your letters, but cum not to Edinburgh before this
laft Sonday, the penult of May. I was at Air, qhair I fand al things
wel ordrit, and much good done to Mr William Byrnie his travaills thair.
He is returnit, and feems wel contentit, qhairof I am glaid. I man
entreat yow to deal for me in a particular qhairwith I am vrgit. I am
chargit be ane Jhon Belfchefe, Advocat, at the inftance of Sir Robert
Maxweh to pay him, within fum fex or ten dayes, twelf thowfand merkis,
qhairof I gaif my band, at his refignatioun of New Abbay, to afl'uir
him of that promife qhich wes maid be his Maieftie to that effect ; for
it plefit his Maieftie, not only for his entreffe thair, bot to recompens
his other fervices, to grant, at my humble entreatie, fo muche to the
Gentleman. I haif no releif nor poflibilitie to pay it, being otherwife
1 The Lords of the Privy Council, on the 9th of February, accordingly passed " Ane
Act releving the Ministers of the Diocie of Glasgow from their wards."
1613.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 445*
burdenit in my particular eftait. Nether know I a way to do it, vnleffe
his Maieftie be plefit to gif a warand to the Collector of the Taxt for fo
muche to Sir Eobert. I was a futer for a peice land that Maxwell pof-
feffit of the New Abbay, ane threttie aucht merk land, for qhiche he
payit to the place or Abbay a litle dowry. This wold haif helpit the
levinge to ben fumqhat. Bot efter his Maieftie was plefit to figne
my grant, it was croffit, and ane difcharge maid of the fam, that it
mycht be fewit to otheris, and the fowm wil not be grit that wilbe
gottin for it, and I think none at al, as our pouerty is this yeir. Con-
fidering how difficil it wilbe to get Sir Robert payit out of the moneyis
heir, and that I think his Maieftie wil be loath to grant ony part of the *
Taxt that way, left the example of it may draw on other preceptis, I
wold entreat yow to fee if I may haif warrand for the paffing throw of
that grant qhiche his Maieftie figned to me ; and I wil tak fum courfe
my felf to releif Sir Robertis dett, vpon furty that it falbe repayit to me
or fume of myn, qhen money is more ryf in his Maiefties cofferis ; for
qhiche I fal feik onlie the furte of the levinge it felf. If his Maieftie
fal grant me thofe landis, thai wil help the leving, and thai ar proper to
the Abbay, and fo mak me in fum fort able to overcum the dett ; and
his Maieftie fal ever haif vpon the faid twelf thowfand merkis a gud
rent to return, ather for the profit of the Crown or to be at his Maief-
ties difpofitioun. Sir, becaus this is a great bufines to me as any I haif
had in my tym, and concernis me muche in credit, I wil pray yow helpe
into it, and that his Maieftie be yow may vnderftand the ftrait I am lyk
to fal in for tbat Band, and propone the way of releif, that if it be lykit
of, I may provyd for Sir Robertis payment, and fend vp my fecurities to
be paffit that I craif for the repaying of the money : And in the mein
tym, that ye wilbe plefit to fpeik Sir Robert, and get fum warrand
from his Maieftie to fpeik him, that I may be fuperfedit til the nixt
term, qhairin if he wil haif any reafon he wil not be difficil. Sir, I wil
expect your anfuer with the firft occafion. I reft till the nixt pacquet,
and ever remaynis
Your affurit to command,
Edinburgh, the 2. of Junij 1613. Glasgow.
446* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [161-3.
Page 310. CXCIILft
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
James R.
Right trufty and right welbeloued Cofens and Counfellours, and
right trufty and welbeloued Counfellours, Wee greete yow well : Hauing
latelie vndirftoode of Maffe faid in Our Burgh of Edinburgh, and dif-
covered by the diligence of the Archbyfhoppe of St Andrewes, with the
affiftance of the Magistrates of Our faid Burgh, and that fome of the
hearers being apprehended and demaunded concerning their affociates
and fellow hearers, hauing firft forfworne them felves (a mater ordinarie
and ufuall with them of that Religion), yet at length haue made fuch
confeffion as thereby Wee perceaue more to be infedted with that lepro-
fie than Wee coxdde well haue imagined, and therefor Wee thinke the
tryall thereof not to be flightlie paffed ouer, but (in refpe&e that it
importeth fo highlie to Our wholle Eftate) to be fearched out to the
uttermoft : Wee haue therefor thought good by thefe prsefentis mod
earneftlie to defire yow, as yee will anfwere to God and to Vs, to vfe
fuch diligence and curiofity in the fearche and punifhing of this greate
offence, as no man may hope, by his clofe conueyance of the lik affaires
(how fecretlie foeuer thay fhall be pradlifed) hereafter to paffe unchal-
lenged : Whiche earneftlie defiring and affuredlie expecting at your
handes, Wee bid yow farewell. At Our Mannour of Greenwich, the 28
of June 1613.
To Our right trufty, [&c, ut supra.~\
Page 315. CXCVI.j
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Right truftie and richt weilbeloued Cofen and Counfallour,
and richt truftie and weilbeloued Counfallours, We greete you weill :
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 447*
Haueing thoght it expedient for Our fervice that the Vicount of
Rochefter fould be one of Oure Preuey Counfaill of that Oure King-
dome, wbofe oathe of Alledgeance, and of ane Counfallour, We our
felffis haue reffaued, in prefence of fa mony of Oure Preuey Counfall of
Scotland as wer that tyme at Oure Courte, and caufed Oure Secretarie
mak ane record thairof ; Thairfoire it is Oure will and pleafoure that ye
caus ane Act of Secrite Counfaill be maid of the admiffioun of the faid
Vicount Rochefter as one of Oure faid Preuey Counfaill of that Oure
Kingdome, and infert the fame in the Bookis thairof, geving him place
and vote thairin at all tymes convenient, with all priueledgeis and
immuniteis belonging thairto, as frelie as gif his oath and admiffioun
had bene maid in your prefenceis, whereanent thefe prefentis, togidder
with Oure Secretareis note afoirfaid, to be deliuered to the Clerk of
Oure Counfale, falbe unto you and him ane fufficient warrant; which
expecting that ye will fie this Oure pleafour redilie performed, We bid
you hairtelie fairwele. Frome Our Court at Finchinburgh, the 18 of
October 1613.1
Page 320. CXCVII.t
THE AECHBISHOP OF ST ANDEEWS TO [JOHN MUKEAY OF
LOCHMABEN?]
Right Worschipfull Sib,
After my loving commendatiounis, I have fent my Sone, the
bearar heirof, to effe6luat fum purpofe with the Kingis Maieftie, qhilk
I account als deir to me as my lyff and honour. I will not difcourfe
vpone it : Albeit my pairtie glories of your freindfchip, I will nather
thank yow nor any man that will tax this caus againft me to be my
trew freindis. I refer all this purpofe to the fufnciencie of the bearar,
1 At a meeting of Privy Council held at Edinburgh the 27th October 1613, there
was passed an " Act anent the admissioun of the Vicount of Eochester vpon Counsaill ;"
followed by a copy of the King's warrant, as above, and the testimony of Sir Thomas
Hamilton, that Eobert Viscount of Eochester had given the accustomed oaths as a Privy
Councillor, at Finchinburgh, on the 18th of October 1613.
f3L
448* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
who in all refpefils may reprefent my felff. So I commit yow to the
grace of God, and reftis
Your loving Brother,
Edinburgh, 9 Januar 1614. Sanctandrois.
Page 322. CXCIX.f
ACTS OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, xx" Januarij 1614.
Warrandfor apprehending of James Stewart.
Forsamekle as James Steuart, callit of Hierufalame, being con-
vict in ane Juftice Courte haldin within the Tolbuithe of Edinburgh for
heiring of Meffe, and dome and fentence being pronounceit aganis him
for that caus, ordaning him to be banifheit his Maiefties dominiones, and
to depairt furthe thairof at ane certane day now bigane, neuirtheles he
ftill remanis within this Kingdome, And as the Lordis of Secreit Coun-
faill ar informit he is bufie pra6Hzing aganis the trew Religioun prefentlie
profeffit within this realme, in heich contempt of oure Souerane Lord
his au&oritie and lawes : Thairfoir the faidis Lordis ordanis the Proveft
and Baillies of Edinburgh and the Cannogait to pas, fearche, feik, and
tak the faid James quhairevir he may be apprehendit within thair
boundis and jurifdiclioun, and to putt, hald, and detene him in fure
firmance and captiuitie, ay and quhill the faidis Lordis tak forder ordour
anent his punifhement, as apperteynis ; as the faidis Proueft and Baillies
will anfuer to the faidis Lordis upon thair office and obedyence.
Apud Edinburgh, tertio die mensis Marcij 1614.
Ane Act anent the Celebratioun of the Communioun.
Forfamekle as albeit thair has bene diverfe A6tis of Parliament and
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 449*
Conventionis maid be His Maieflie, with advife of his Eftaitis, whairbv
all his Maiefteis fubiectis wer commandit to Communicat anes everie
yeir, without ony pretext of excufe quhatfumevir, undir certane panes
mentionat and contenit in the faidis Actis, as the fame at lenth beiris,
Notwithstanding quhairof, as His Maieftie is informed, the faidis Aclis
hes reffaved fmall executioun in diuers pairtis of this Kingdome, infofer
as findrie perfonis pernitiouflie affe6tit to the trew Religioun, and con-
tempnaris of the ordour and difcipline of the Kirk, doeth ordinarlie,
when the Communioun is miniftrat in thair parrocheis, withdraw thame
felffis to other parrocheis, undir pretext of doing of thair privat bufy-
nes, wherby not onlie do thay efchaip bothe tryall and punifchement,
and ar encourageit to continew in thair Popifche errouris and opinionis ;
bot otheris who ar not yit weill groundit in the principallis of the trew
Religioun ar by thair exampill inducit to an imitatioun of thame bothe
in lyff and converfatioun, fua that Poperie daylie increaffis, to the
offence of God, and to the grite preiudice of his Maiefteis eftaite : And
His Maieftie being cairfull that thir Recufantis and Non-Communicantis,
who ar moft pernitious peftis in this Commounwele, falbe knowne, and
thair aclionis, cariage, and behaviour mair narrowlie advertit vnto nor
formerlie hes bene : His Maieftie, for this effect, with aduife of the
Lordis of his Secrite Counfaill, hes thoght meete, concludit, and ordanit,
that the Communioun falbe celebrat vniuerfallie through all the Kirkis
of this Kingdome vpoun one day, to witt, vpoun the Twenty-four day
of Aprile nixttocum, and that the haill fubie&is of this Kingdome who
are worthie to be admittit to that Holie a&ioun fall Communicat that
day: And gif ony falbe fundin to be abfent frome that aclioun, that
notice be tane of thame, to the effect that not onlie may thay be con-
venit for contravening of his Maiefteis lawis, and the penaltyis pre-
fcryuit be the faidis lawis exactit of thame without fauour ; bot with
that, that fuche vther ordour may be tane with thame as is dew for
perfonis whofe lyff, conuerfatioun, and cariage is fo fufpitious, and con-
fequentlie fo dangerous to this Eftaite and countrey. It is alwyfe
declairit, that gif ony perfone or perfonis, vpoun neceffair occafionis of
his adois, fall happin to be abfent frome his awne parroche Kirk the
faid day, That ane teftimoniall in write vndir the hand of the Minifter
450* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
of the Kirk quhair he communicat fall liberat him of all perrell, dainger,
or inconvenient that he may incur through his ahfence and not com-
municating at his awne parroche Kirk : Thairfore ordanis letters to be
diracl;, chairgeing Officeris of Airmes to pas and mak publicatioun
heirof be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of the head bur-
rowis of this realme, whairthrow nane pretend ignorance of the fame,
whiche proclamatioun and publicatioun fo to be maid, His Maieftie, with
aduife of the faidis Lordis, declairis to be als lauchfull ane intimatioun
and requifitioun to all his Maiefties fubiectis as gif thay had bene per-
f'onalie requirit to that effecl; : And to command and charge all and
iindrie his Maiefteis leigeis and fubie6tis of what eftaite, rank, qualitie,
or degrie fo euir thay be, That thay prepair and addreffe thame felfF in
modeft and decent maner, as becometh Chrifliane people, to reffaue the
Communioun, and that thay communicat the day foirfaid, vndir the
panes contenit in the A6tis foirfaidis, certifeing thame that falbe foundin
abfent fra the faid Holie aclioun, that not onlie fall thay be punift con-
forme to the faidis A6lis, bot with that, fuche vther ordour falbe tane
with thame as accordis: And lykwyfe to command and chairge all
Archibifchopis, Bifchopis, and vtheris inferiour Minifteris, to attend at
the feuerall Kirkis and Congregationis quhairat thay or ony of thame ar
appointit to ferve, and to prepair and fie the Elementis and vtheris
thingis neceffarlie requifite for the faid Miniftratioun, be prepairit agane
the faid day, as thay and euerye ane of thame wilbe anfuerable to God
and the Kingis Maieftie, vpoun the dewtie of thair chairge, calling and
run&ioun, and vndir the pane of incurring of his Maiefteis heich dif-
pleafour, and to be punift thairfoir in thair goodis, at the arbitrement of
his Maiefteis Counfall.1
1 On the 21st of March 1615, a similar " Proclamatioun anent the celebratioun of
the Communioun," enjoining that it be " celebrat throughoute the haill Kirkis of this
Kingdome vpoun ane day yeirlie, to witt, Paschc day," was issued by the Lords of Privy
Council. It is in more concise terms than the above Act in 1G14, but it contains this
additional clause : " Reserving alwayes to the Faderis and Ministeris of the Kirk the
power and fredome of appointing of suche other dayis for ministration of the Com-
munioun as thay, in thair wisdomes, fra tyme to tyme sail think nieete."
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 451*
Page 331. CCIV.f
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LOBDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
James R.
Right trufty and right welbeloued Cofen and Counfellour, and right
trufty and welbeloued Counfellours, Wee greete yow well: Whereas
controuerfie arofe betuixte Our Deputy Treaforer and the Byihoppe of
Orkney, concerning the valew of fome landes in Orkney, It is Our plea-
four that yee caufe eache of the partyes feuerallie fette doune his valua-
tion of the faid land, and the reafons niouing him thereunto, vnder
his hand, and the fame to be fente to Vs with all convenient expedition,
to the end that Wee may giue fuch further order in that mater as Wee
fhall thinke fitte : And herein exfpe6ting your diligence, Wee bid yow
farewell. At Our Mannour of Greenewich, the 7th of June 1614.
To Oure right trufty, [&c, ut supra.']
Page 331. CCIV.ft
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
James R.
Right trufty and right welbeloued Cofen and Counfellour, and
right trufty and welbeloued Counfellours, Wee greete yow well : Foraf-
much as the Byihoppe of Orkney, being employed in Oure feruice for
reduclioun of the Hes of Orkney and Zetlande to Oure better obedience,
hath not onlie fufficientlie performed the fame, but further to teftifie his
affectioun to Our faid feruice, hath recouered diuers thinges which per-
teyned to the late Earle, which (together with fome other thinges
founde in the houfes) hauing ftill in his cuftodie, forth comming to Oure
ufe, he defireth may be taken of his hande : It is therefor Oure pleafure
tliat yee appointe fome fufficient perfon to receaue the faid thinges
frome him, and giue him a difcharge of his intromeflioun, and an exone-
ratioun of his aforefaid fervice : Which not doubting but yee will fuf-
452* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1614.
ficientlie fee performed, Wee bid yow farewell. At Our Mannour of
Grenewich, the 7th of June 1614.
To Oure right trufty, [&c, ut supraJ]
Page 333. CCV.j
MR PETER HEWAT TO JOHN MURRAY OF HIS MAJESTY'S
BEDCHAMBER.
.Sir,
I am lothe to be trubilfum to yow, knowing your manifold
hnpefchmentis, yit vpoun the experience of your former loue and kynd-
nes, and conftant affe6tioun caryit to all fuche as endeuoir to giue pruif
of gude feruice to his Maieftie, I am bold to offer this my fute vnto
yow, that as thair was a former warrand purcheft by your meinis to my
Lord Secretar and Lord Thefaurer Deputt heir for recouering from the
handis of Sir Androw Meluill the few mailes of the Abbacie of Croce-
regall, the fame may now be renewit again. For quhairas the former
hath had fome impedimentis, I truft now my Lord Thefaurer Deputt
be fo difpofed, that quhateuer fall be inioyned he will redely obey. Sir,
the mater is bot fmall, and yit ye fall promeis to His Maieftie in my
name, that with this mein help I fall at my awin coift (be Godis grace)
bring that benefice to fik eflait as thairin ane honeft man may do gude
feruice to His Maieftie. And now fince be my Lord Secretar and
uther freindis heir I haue my Lord Thefaurer Deputt fo willing, I
moift intreit yow, Sir, for a new warrand. I hoip his Maieftie fall
neuer think it ill beftowit, and ye fall haue me one redy to be
imployit by yow in ony thing quhairin I can proue ftedabill. Thus,
praying God to blis and direct yow in all your effairis, I tak my leif,
and reftis
Youris to be commandit,
Edinburgh, the 13 of Junij 1614. M. P. Hewatt.
To the rycht worfhipfull his muche refpecled
freind, Jhon Murray, Gentilman of his
Maiefteis bedchalmer.
1614.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 453*
Page 333. CCV-tf
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE LOEDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
[James R.]
Right Truftie and Right weilbelouit Cofine and Counfellour,
and Right truftie and weilbelouit Counfellouris, We greete you weele :
"Whereas certane Minifteris, namelie, Maifteris Williame Row, Johne
Carmichaell, William Scott, William Watfoun, and John Skrymgeour,
haue bene for certane yeiris bigane confyned within a limited fpace of
aboade feuerallie appointit to each of thame, We haue thoght goode,
for certane reafonis thairvnto mouing Ws, to will and require yow to
enlarge thame oute of thair faid confynes, geuing thame libertie to
refoirt to ony fuche place as thay pleas in that Our Kingdome. And
heirin willing yow not to faill, We bid yow fairweele. At Our Manour
of Greenwiche, the xiiij day of Junij 1614.
[To Our richt trufty, &C.]1
Page 333. CCV.ftt
ACT OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND.
Apud Edinburgh, xxj die mensis Junij 1614.
Ane Act anent the Transport* of Passingeris frome the Campweere.
Forfamekle as it is undirftand to the Lordis of Secreit Counfell that
thair is diuers perfonis, aduerfaris to the trew Religioun prefentlie pro-
feft within this Kingdome, who refoirtis and repairis frome all pairtis to
1 The Privy Council, in conformity with this letter, on the 28th of July 1614, passed
" Ane Act releuing certane Ministeris of Fyffe of thair warde." It may be mentioned,
that the persons named were Ministers respectively of the following parishes : Row of
Forgandenny, Carmichael of Kilconquhar, Scott of Cupar, Watson of Burntisland, and
Scrimgeour of Kinghorn. This Act, omitted under its proper date in the Register, occurs
before the 14th of September 1614.
454* ORIGINAL LETTERS, &c. [1614.
the Toun of Campweere in Yeland, and thair awaitis the commoditie
and occafioun to be tranfportit in this Kingdome, and at thair arryvaill,
and during the tyme of thair aboade heir, thay ar buffye, and employis
thair wittis and ingyne to diuert fimple and ignorant people from the
treuthe and veritie of the Evangell, and to imbrace the fooliih errouris
and fuperftitionis quhilkis be the lawis of this Kingdome ar aboliffit and
fuppreft; and whairas the refoirt of fuche kynd of people into this
Kingdome can not be without grite hafaird and perrell to this Eftate,
Thabrfoir the Lordis of Secreit Counfell ordanis letters to be direct, to
command, charge, and inhibite the maifteris, awnaris, fkipperis, and
marinaris of quhatfumevir fhippis and vefliellis in this Kingdome, be
oppin proclamatioun at all placeis neidfull, that nane of thame prefome
nor tak upoun hand at ony tyme after the publicatioun heirof to reffaue
in thair barkis or fhippis at the Campweere, and bring from thenfe into
this Kingdome any paffingeris of quhatfumevir natioun, quhill firft thay
obtene frome the Minifter of the Scottis Kirk at Campweere a tefti-
moniall undir his hand, bearing that the perfone or perfonis who defyris
to be tranfportit into this Kingdome doeth hant the Scottis Kirk at
Campweere, and ar knowne to be profeffouris of the trew Religioun
prefentlie profeft and be law eftabliffit within this Kingdome, undir
the pane of warding of the contravenaris of this prefent ordinance
during the faidis Lordis will and pleafour ; and forder, to be fyned in
thair goodis at the faidis Lordis pleafour ; certifieing thame that failyeis
or dois in the contrair, that not onlie fall thay be wardit, bot lyke-
wayes thay falbe fyned in fuch pecuniall fowmes as the faidis Lordis fall
impofe upoun thame.
455*
Page 8. H.ff
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO THE COMPTEOLLEE.
James E.
Trufty Counfellour, "We greet you wele : Being myndit alwayes
that Our trufty fervitour, Mr Patrik Galloway, fall haue and enjoy
quhatfoeuir he had of Ws within that Our Realme during his lyfetyme ;
and that he fall not be intereft nor prejudged thairof in any caife, We
haif thought goode hereby to will and command you, that ye faill not
to anfwer, and caus him be anfwerit in all tyme cuming during his
lyvetyme, of the fowme of Twa hundreth pundis money of that Our
Realme, and his Wyne affignit and appointit to him for his dyett and
ordinare in Our Houfe thair yeirlie, conforme to the appointment fett
doun thairanent, as ye tender Our fpeciall pleafour and obedience : Sua
"We bid you fairwele. From Our Courte at Whithall, the xxiijth of
Marche 1604.
To Our trufty and welbeloued Counfellour,
Sir David Murray of Gofperty knycht,
Our Comptroller.1
Page 24. XlV.ft
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO LOED SPYNIE.
James R.
Rycht truftie and weilbelouit Coufinge and Counfellour, We
greit yow hairtlie weill : "Wnderftanding by the Counfellis letter, and
1 This and the next three letters were obtained too late for insertion, according to
their respective dates. Galloway, it will be observed, obtained the renewal of this grant
while in England. (See supra, p. 1.) He was formerly Minister of Perth, and became
Minister of the King's Household. In the introductory note to his Eeport of the Hamp-
ton Court Conference (ib. p. 3), Dr Barlow's account is erroneously quoted as printed in
1605, in place of 1604.
|3 M
456* ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
your awin to Ws, togidder withe the Bufchope of Murreyis awin decla-
ratioune, quhow wilhng ye ar to furrender your rycht of that Bufchoprik
in Our handis, Quhilk as We can nocht account bot acceptabill to Ws,
fua haiff We vreitten to the Erie of Dunbar Our mynd thairanent
for your fatiffadtioune ; Only We defyre ye will be contentit withe the
termis of payment : And fen ye haiff begun weill, let the end be
anfuerabill to the beginninge, quhairof ye fall haiff na occafioune of
repentance : The bypaft experience of Our favour may allure yow alfo
heirefter that ye fall be na loffer at Our handis. This trailing ye will
forder Our fervice, and finifche this vork, We bid yow hairtlie fairveill.
From Valtoune Abbay, the feuenteenth day of December 1605.
To Our trufty and welbeloued Coufen and
Counfellour, the Lord of Spynie, thefe.
Page 76. XLrV.ff
HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES TO ONE OF THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
James R.
Truftie and welbeloued Coufeing and Counfellour, We greete
yow hartiely well : Whereas, for want oftentymes of overfeing and ani-
madverfion to the Difciplyne which fhould be obferved in Univerfities,
the good orders made at the foundation of the fame maye be forgotten
and become in diffuetude, and fo all things turne to confufion and dif-
order, to the decaye of learning and good letters, and with great hurte
to the commonwealth : For which caufe in former tymes it being an
ufuall forme to caufe Univerfities be vifited, aswell for remeiding of
bypaft enormities upon the warrant of former rides, as for eftablifhing
of new orders to help and prevent anie fuch evills, as having not bene
formerly thought of, have nevertheles bene incident fince that laft pre-
ceiding Vifitation : Tharefore, amang other of Our Commiffioners for
that effect, We have made particular choice of yow to be one of the
Commiffioners appointed for vifiting of the Univerfitie of St Androis,
and the Colledges of the fame, to be kept there the fyifte of Maij next
1607.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 457*
to cum, recommending vnto your fpeciall care and confederation the
eftate of the faid Univerfitie, that yow maye fee the good orders and
lawes thereof fo putt in practice, that vice may be punifhed and vertue
cherifhed : And whereas We have thought meitt to retayne here Mr
Andrew Melvill, Principall of the New Colledg there, And fince that
place requyres a refident quallified man to difcharge the fame, There-
fore having made choice of Mr Robert Howye as a moft meitt and
fufficient perfon, both in refpecl of his lyf and literature, to poffefs that
place : We are to will and requyre yow to fee him placed therein, with
all fees, dewties, immunities, and priuiledges belonging or apperteyning
to the fame . place, To be bruiked and enjoyed by the, faid Mr Robert,
induring all the dayes of his lyftyme, Wherein ye fall doe Vs moft
acceptable fervice and pleafu're. And fo We bid yow right hairtily
farewell. From Our Courte at Whitehall, the 9. of Marche 1607.
Page 337. CCVI.f
THE BISHOP OF ORKNEY TO SIR GIDEON MURRAY,
TREASURER DEPUTE.
Right Honorable my very good Lord, pleis your Lordfhip, I
haue left ane fufficient commifiion for receaving the money to Mr
Patrick Turnett, Perfone of Borthwick, whofe acquittance efter any
forme your Lordfhip pleafes falbe als fufficient as myn own.
I haue fpent almoft this day in perufing and laying this Rentall,
wrettin be Dauid Hart, according to the takifmen comptis, and findis,
be my counters, if they haue not deceaved me, that the wholl rent, no
deduction of penfions being maid, with all the few-maillis of the landis
in Orkney, will not exceid eight thowfand merkis befyd the thriddis.
Your Lordfhip may try my compt, and teach me if I haue erred.
Pleis your Lordfhip alfo to receave my informatiouns to his Maieftie,
whiche ar clofed and figned, becaus I haue, in forme of ane miffive or
letter, drawin them vp fchortle, and inclofed them within ane other
fcheete of paper, Whiche I dout not bot your Lordfhip will caus be fent
withe your own informatiouns.
458* ORIGINAL LETTERS, &c. [1614.
Now taking my leiff of your Lordfhip, I entreat your Lordfhip to be
myndfull of my money, wherof I ftand in fo great need, and of the
commiffion for the armour and houfhald fluff in Orcnay, to be retained
receaved from me. I purpofe not to flay long ther, bot God willing
fall returne betuix and Lambes, if I may find paffag. So refling vpon
your Lordships fauour and cair, I committ your Lordfhip to God his
fauour and Miffing, and falbe
Your Lordfhip in all dewtie to ferue yow,
Ja. B. of Orcads, Nominaliter.
To the Right Honorable his very good Lord,
My Lord Thefaurer Deput of Scotland.
The following letters addressed to his Majesty King James are preserved in Vol. ii.
of a collection of Original Letters (see supra, p. xxii., note 2), in the possession of Daw-
son Turner, Esq., Yarmouth : — (1.) James Lord Balmerinoch to King James, 10th
October 1606, referring to the Proclamations to be issued against Ministers praying for
their distressed brethren. (2.) James Nicolson, Minister of Meigle, without date, testifying
the good services of the Earl of Dunbar and Lord Scone, in attending the meetings at
the Synod of Fife and Perth. (3.) Spottiswood Archbishop of Glasgow, 15th August
1613, earnestly recommending David Lindsay, son of the Bishop of Boss, to be successor
to his father in that See. (4.) Spottiswood (not Law, as in Mr Turner's Catalogue),
and others, 7th December 1614, informing his Majesty that they had brought to trial,
and convicted, and sentenced to death, Ogilvie the Jesuit, and his abettors, for entertain-
ing him, and hearing Mass. (5.) David Home, Minister in France, giving an account
of the Conference at Charenton in regard to the proposed Union of the Beformed and
Lutheran Churches, in the year 1616. (6.) The Archbishops and Bishops, before the
General Assembly at St Andrews, 25th November 1619, declaring their intentions to
comply with the King's commands, in giving no further toleration to the refractory Mini-
sters. (7.) Archbishop Spottiswood, 17th May 1620, informs the King that Father
Anderson, who these many years " has trafiqued in this kingdom," has been apprehended,
and requests that the charge of examining him may be committed to the Secretary, to the
Archbishop of Glasgow, and himself, in order that the proceedings be " exact and pri-
vate ;" and he congratulates his Majesty that the capture falls out opportunely, in the
midst of the business with the refractory Ministers ; that the people may see what an
even hand is carried against Papist and Puritan.
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